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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
LIBRARY

Reserve

BOOK NUMBER 2-9
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

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BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

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UNITED STATSS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
Neiew se ue na a

FOR NOVEMBER 1937

BRITISH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY HONORS A BUREAU ENTOMOLOGIST

Robert E. Snodgrass has been elected an honorary fellow in the Royal
Entonolozical Society of London, the third American to be so honored in
recent years. Honorary membership in this society--one of the oldest ento-
nological societies in the world--is linited to 12, all elected for their
contributions to'the scientific study of insects. L. O, Howard, one of
the great pioneers in economic entonology, and the late W. M. Wheeler, of
Harvard University, the world's foremost authority on ants, were also re-
Cipients of this honor. Mr. Snodgrass was elected because of his impor-
tant work on the morphology of insects.

FRUIT INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Sublaboratory at Shreveport, La,, discontinued.--The investigations
on obscure scale and on pecan phylloxera in northwestern Louisiana having

been completed, the sublaboratory at Shreveport has been closed, effective
December 1, W, C. Pierce, who was in charge of this sublaboratory, has
been transferred to the Brownwood, Tex., laboratory for pecaneinsect in-
vestigations,

Recoveries of Dioctes molestae Uch, indicate establishment.--G, J,
Haeussler, of the Moorestowm, N. J., laboratory, reports that.D, molestae,
an oriental fruit moth parasite imported from Japan, has been recovered
this season from several localities colonized in previous years, under
circumstances indicating successful overwintering and probable establish-
Ment at several widely scattered points. The most important recoveries
occurred at West Webster and Pultneyville, N. Y., from liberations nade
in 1935, .At these points the parasite was: more abundant in second—brood
collections than in those of the first brood, indicating an incréase as
the second brood progressed. A recovery at Southington, Conn., was due,
either as the result of a liberation made on that property in 1935 or as
dispersion fron colonies placed on other properties in the sane locality
in 1936. Recoveries at Pennsauken, N. J., and at Quincy, Pa., are of
interest in view of the fact that D, molestae has never been liberated
in these localities, the recoveries being due, therefore, to dispersion
from colonies released in neighboring localities in previous seasons. A
recovery at Arendtsville, Pa.,:was due likewise to dispersion fron
liberations made either in 1933 or 1935 on other properties in the sane
locality. The recovery of a single male from first brood oriental fruit

Lou

moth at Lovingston, Va., indicated that D, molestae survived the second
winter there but failure to recover the species in subsequent collections
from the same and nearby properties later in the season suggests that the
survival may not have been sufficient to maintain the species at that point.

Chemicals tested as baits for codling moth.--During 1937 BE. R. Van
Leeuwen, of the Yakima, Wash., laboratory, tested separately nine acids
which have been reported as present in fermenting sugar baits, Only one,
glycine, proved to be attractive to the codling moth. Of 99 other cheni-
cals tested by adding them to the standard molasses bait, butyl phenol
acetate increased the catch of moths 214 percent, dinalyl valerianate in-
creased.it 252 percent, and pipernal increased it 186 percent. Several of
the chemicals, including iso~butyl anthranilate, cypress oil, lavender
- 011, and sweet marjoram, were distinctly repellent.

Codling moth oviposits on or near fruit.--In connection with a study
of the relation of bait catches of the codling moth to its normal occur-
rence in the orchard, Mr. Van Leeuwen made a study in the spring of 1947
of the locatioh of eges deposited by spring-brood moths. Of 600 eggs, 56
. percent were on the upper surfaces of large leaves, 21 percent were on the
upper surfaces of the small leaves near apples, 16 percent were on the
apples, and the remaining. 7 percent were in various other locations, Of
the eggs on the large leaves, 90 percent were within 6 inches of an apple.
It is thus evident that the female codling noth is definitely attracted by
the apples.

Ethylene dichloride effective, for peach borer control,—-Comparative
experiments in New York, Illinois, and Georgia with ethylene dichloride

for control of the peach borer, using paracichlorobenzene crystals as the
| standard of comparison, are reported by 0. I, Snapp as giving practically
complete control in the three States. Ethylene dichloride proved to be

not only the most effective but also the safest material for young trees,

as well as being effective under soil temperature conditions too cold for

' “the ‘paradichlorobenzene treatment.

Dichlorethyl ether dust fails to repel dried fruit beetle.--D. F.
Barnes and C, K, Fisher, of the Fresno, Calif., laboratory, applied di-
‘chlorethyl ether mixed with hydrated lime, at the rate of 1 gallon to 200
pounds, to freshly piled grape pomace, The dust was applied until the sur-
face of the piles was thoroughly whitened, The material did not repel the
dried fruit beetle (Carpophilus henmipterus L.). At the beginning three
piles of pomace contained 2.4, 3.5, and 0.8 beetles per pound, After ex-
posure for 1 week in a field the piles were infested approximately as fol-—
lows, per pound of pomace:

Pile No, and treatment >; Adults : Larvae”
; Number : Number
1, Undusted control-------- —-------- : 70 g 694
2, Dusted after 30 minutes! exposure: 84 ay
: 341

3, Dusted immediately—---------------: 109

-3-

The figures given in the table refer only to findings in pomace at
or near the surface. At depths of a foot.or so ‘the heat of fermentation
. prevents development.

Seasonal cycle of Japanese beetle in edrliest infested region, as
shown by soil surveys over ll-year period.--Systematic soil surveys were
made in'1926, at two stations in the earliest infested area in central New
Jersey. The following year the nuriber of stations was increased to eight
by adding two'stations in New Jersey and four in.ecastern Pennsylvania,
Surveys were continued at thesé eight points until 1935 when the nunber
was reduced to five by dropping twa of the New Jersey stations and one in
Pennsylvania. These surveys were discontinued at the close of the 1936
season. Surveys were made in dpproxinately the same locations each year
and all-werde nadé in permanent ‘turf. Seven of the eight Locations used
were inthe roughs of golf courses, the eighth in a pasture. In naking
surveys, a section of sod 1 foot square was renoved and all beetle stages
in and bene cath the turf were found and the number recorded. In the 1l
years, 37, 415 surveys wore nade and 371,492 individuals in the various
' stages were recovered, ‘The data have been compiled by | I. M. Hawley and
Da Ns? Dobbins, of the Moorestown, N. J., laboratory. In an attempt to de-
termine as nearly as possible what a normal seasonal cycle would be, the
total’ numbers of ‘individuals, found in all surveys during the ll-year
period have been conbined and frou these data the percentage in each stage
has” been computed and is given in the following table,

—

lL

Normal percentage frequency distribution of the various soil stages
of the Japanese beetle in the Philadelphia area, based on the

total number of individuals recovered in successive 10-ca

periods from 1926 to 1936 at the regular survey stations

: Number : Percentage of soil population as-~
Period : of : :First :Second: Third :Pre- z
H : Egg sinstar:iinstar} instar #3 Bune :Adult
Jan, and Feb----: 1,162 ; KO a eGos Gel = 0 -S =
Mareh 1=10----—3 YOR. ea sare Ged SO Oe yi) ac ke eae
Vit=20=—-——— 2 | GOO meu iens). | Oxi. ch OO ebm inca it atmos
Cl-31----—-; 1,119 : ee Wy (giiees |. ified) Si) Dee Onis geecren (Siac Cea
ori deadOe 8 TOO, i: eric eens) JO Sir Orit shel a=-skas i= ee
11-20----- 9 L1G gy ee aes Gd i OBR Gy) tlie ite emir
21~-30----- SL NO Te ees eles 6. .Giity Oona keane) ee
May Da1Os--—— 3 TMB se det, 5S. e QUE Oi ie) cous an she
i=20-—2—— 3. 13509 3, y= 8 eat Ont Go O. ee Oeilans tween
21~31----- Sule OGnuns ~- 3 qlee Sig Diyiss Sai O mine! ee ermcen Om\cun emma:
Spbvare) ONO} FET icton MiMi eC oRt oP Abs Bena Go aeS ce
2 0===—= BE ALAC TAI Bee WGN Pe GH ales he 5 POH oNOns B tka 7
ell One GO te om to, ig Lents LO th Gasia(tem rom Ommaney
Judy l=10—-=-—'s 1 28S 5 5a Os mis! ad) ete ON COMO mer tame
11-20----- 3 BSS Oe Ot: | Te Dies. Wise Lee Slily Cri) ce isu lye eos ar eel oer
21-3] ----- Pal G yt GAAP A ASHOM NOG Denon MANO” 6 O,77 9” 2.6
Aug. 1-10----- gL SOU rs 2 he O10) 320.9) si Or du ath we pllac tailed ein O acs
120 === SD eb Wise 2) Birt. Cire (ante aes Manel yl =e
eleeoilieres aees VALE Ss mish alla Ois ae BSS sey NS See ee gS
Sejotee hh lees C9 One BO Be 9 By .2 6) Se 8 Ss 8 oe
11-20----- Realy genn i6 wenis) Dig) SD einen Mie ON West ntim=ndn) Sl mnie rel lee
EE oe a aS! 50) RSG OR a aL p i2) 98 SS 8 ekg
Oct. 1-10---~- Bri NE SUM e i emam itie tO) Tu. 11) fee Sits ue inv tya eres SiH
11~20-~---: NSO i ee 8 Opie Og Or is 1 OB uo 18 Va eh eae
ALB Ne ale Seley Cin SnCu iste coinn vant CRYIN ON Mees ees
Nov. 1-10----- HOUR CARS Ve cr opa saa aries Iisa eM ho ee a Be
eee Hen Oi tars A Mibon e Gat) Hiei Ce ee Be 8 a
21—30---—— 3 DOGGY sities Hey Bess Sab as (OI Gp match trac cyberia aan
Decenber=———-—=—— : 863s Sy on Cea) Me ego

In this earliest infested areca in the general vicinity of Phila~-
delphia most larvae pass the winter in the third or final instar, By
averaging the number of individuals found between November 1 and March 31
of the following year, when all larvae are in a dormant condition, it was
shown that 93.1 percent were in the third instar and 6.9 percent in the.
second instar, Although this is the normal condition for the years in-
volved, there has at times been considerable variation from this figure.

In the 1931—32 brood over 98 percent reached the third instar by the dor-
mant season, whereas in the 1935-36 brood only 78 percent reached this
stage, In the period from October 1 to the end of the following May, first
instars have occasionally been found, but during the ll-year period only

91 were found after October 1 and only 31 of these were found after January 1.

—5-

Relatively few surveys were made during the months of December, January,
and February and the data for these periods are given collectively rather
than by 10-day periods,

- MEXICAN FRUIT FLY CONTROL

No Mexican’ fruitflies taken since July.--Fruit shipments this season
are slightly ahead’ of the same date last year, For the second consecutive
month the numbers of Anastrepha serpentina Wied. trapped in the lower Rio
Grande Valley increased greatly. During November traps took 527 individu
als of this species, They were collected from all districts in the area
and were trapped both ‘in groves and in brushlands. Some other fruitflies
were also present in slightly increased numbers, No Anastrepha ludens
Loew, however, was taken this month nor has any been trapped in Texas
since July. Thé following table shows the numbers of the various species
of fruitflies identified during November,

Species ; Texas : Mexico
Adults : Number : Number
A, ludens---------------------- : ¢) : 2
_Premises--------~----~------- H O : Zz
A. serpentina~----------------- 8 27 . 9
Premises---------------------: 270 ; 7
A. striata Schin--------------- : 1 | ¢)
Premises--------------~------- : 1 : no)
A. sp, "Yll--------------------- se : 1
_Premises—-------------------- t,he : 1
A. sp, "L"+----~----------~----- Sel : 0)
_Premises------~--------------- Yeas : 0)
A. pallens Coq---~-----~-------- selene : 15
Pidgin ss) eee eee = See es eS : 106 : 2
Larvae : Si
Rhagoletis sp-----~------------ : 0) Ji e7/
Win Se eee epse = ed OTTER eget an)

“From market fruit.

CEREAL AND FORAGE INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Search for larvae of rare species of June beetles in southern Wis-—
consin,--T, R, Chamberlin and J, A, Callenbach, Madison, Wis., report that
in a search for larvae of some of the less common species of June beetles,
which have not been found in cultivated fields in southern Wisconsin during

—— -

a

262

the last 3 years, reconnaissance diggings were made in various localities
during the month. These included diggings in woods around trees and

shrubs and in sod and crops adjoining woods, where adults of these rarer
species were known to occur. The digging was done in sandy hills near Lodi
and Poynette and in the silt loam soils east of Leeds, All grubs of
Phyllophaga found belonged. to the common species, P, rugosa Melsh., P. fusca
Froel, P, hirticula Knoch, and P, tristis F. A few undetermined scarabaeid
grubs not belonging to the genus Phyllophaga and others apparently belong-
ing to the genus Serica were obtained. No grubs of Anomala ludiviciana
Schffr. or Strigoderma arboricola F. were taken, These last-named species
were fairly common in the sandy areas in 1935 and 1936. It is still puzzl-
ing where grubs of the rare species of Phyllophagza concentrate, olthoug

the adult beetles dug included several P, drakei Kby., one P, fosteri Burm.,
and one P, prunina Lec., which are relatively scarce, and these must have —
developed very near the places in the soil where they were found,

Grasshopper damage to hessian fly-resistance test plots.--E, T, Jones,
Manhattan, Kans., reports as follows: "Owing to the invasion by grass-
hoppers of our hessian fly~resistance test plots at Springfield, Mo., an
interesting situation has arisen, The first fall brood. of the hessian fly
emerged over a period of 1 or 2 weeks, Eggs of the early flies were ovi-
posited and many larvae became established, Before emergence of the first
brood of fly was complete, grasshoppers migrating from fields of cut corn
invaded the plots and prevented further oviposition on the wheat by de-
stroying the leaves. As a result of the combined grasshopper and hessian
fly injury, a large number cf plants were killed. Material in several in-
portant experinents was impaired or completely destroyed; however, several
hundred strains of winter wheat and more than 300 strains of fall—planted
spring wheat in the tests have yielded acceptable data on the re=
action of plants, both of cxtreme resistance and extreme susceptibility to
infestation by flies of the first fall brood, Plants surviving the con-—
bined attack of the grasshoppers and the first fall brood of fly produced
new leeves in tine for oviposition by flies from this brood. A heavy
second fall brood of fly is now maturing on the surviving plants which, it
is expected, will enable us to obtain valuable information on the reaction
of these strains to separate infestations by both fall broods. So dis-
tinct a separation of the fall broods has not been possible in previous
tests,"

Ramona wheat shows low jointworm infestation,--W. B. Cartwright,
Sacramento, Calif., reports that the average infestation in early wheat
varieties at Birds Landing, Calif., was 46 percent in plant samples of
1936, with Ramona showing an exceptional low of none, In 1937 the sane
series of varieties was 66 percent infested, with Ramona 13 percent.
Initial crosses of varieties with Ramona are planned to determine whether
segregation of resistance will occur or contrasts of infestations con-
tinue, as are recorded in the ficld tests summarized below.

' $3 Average infestation,
Variety : 1936-37

Ramona-------------- 7 10
Dis eineee ee : 46
Reward-------------- 2 90
Oakley-------------- : 644
Bunyip-------------- : 65
Quality------------- H 515)
Poso—~-------------- : 74
Pusa No, 4------_--— ; + 60
Early Blackhull---~- : 15
Java--—-—------ ~~ — : Tal
Sunset—-——------—-_— : 68
Indian-~------------ ; 68
Escondido~—-----~-=--3. 4O
Alberta Early~------ : 6

Progress---~-------- : 42

JAPANESE BESTLE CONTROL

Fall shipping of nursery stock at peak,--Mild ¢lear weather prevail-
ing most of the month enabled nurserymen to dig and prepare for inspection.
large quantities of plant stock both for immediate shipment and placement
in lead arsenate-treated heeling-in areas in readiness for future shipping.
Inspections of soil-free plant material throughout Maryland were numerous
and included many bulk shipments, On checking records of classified.
growers in the Virginia area, an inspector found that several establish-
ments had received uncertified stock which they had failed to report. Cer-
tification privileges were promptly revoked until reports were submitted
and the uncertified stock disposed of in a manner satisfactory to the in-
spector. Two establishments which could not obtain certification of the
unreported stock were deprived of their classified status. Inspected nur-
sery stock in the Philadelphia, Pa., district totaled over 13 pexph Ws oy ay
plants for the month, Below-freezing temperatures during the lest week of
the month all but terminated the fall shipping season in most districts.
A.regular biseasonal check-up of all classified establishments was in pro-
gress in all sections of the regulated area,

Treating activities varied,--A recently classified establishment in
Connecticut has treated several thousand plants with paradichlorobenzene
and has also treated three hotframes for plunging of small pot plants.

This: was the first establishment in the New England area to make any treat——

ments under the Japanese beetle quarantine regulations, |

Quarantine violators convicted at special session,--A special session
of the United States district. court was scheduled at Rochester, N. Y., on
Novenber 8, to try 10 truckers who transported farm products contrary to
the Japanese beetle quarantine regulations, These men were caught with un-
certified produce by an inspector stationed at the Rochester Public Market
from the middle of July until Labor Day, Hach man had trucked uncertified

we Gone

farm products from points within the regulated areas of New Jersey, Mary-
land, Delaware, or Virginia to Rochester, a point outside the regulated
zone, Nine of the ten violators pleaded guilty as charged and were ordered
by the Court to pay fines of $25 each. Trial of a tenth violator, who
pleaded not guilty, was deferred to the next session of the District Court
in Buffalo, N. Y. Prosecution of a number of truckers who are residents

of New Jersey is expected to take place within a few weeks.

Road-station activities concluded.—--A compilation of interceptions of
Japanese beetles at quarantine line stations for 1937 reveals that 2,838
adults and 123 grubs were recovered from road vehicles moving from the reg-
ulated area. Of the 16 stations that reported interceptions, 7 were in
Virginia, 4 in Ohio, 2 in West Virginia, 2 in Pennsylvania, and 1 was a
roving patrol, All road patrol activities were discontinued on November 20,

Late emergence of elm bark beetles.—-Freshly emerged adults of Scolytus
nultistriatus Marsh, were found in galleries examined in Warren and Soner-
set Counties, N. J,, late in Novembér. October is usually the maximum date
fer the pupal stage of this species, There were indications of recent
adult emergence fron the tree, with probable further emergence to occur dtr-
ing periods of warn weather. Observations will be continued to determine
whether the advanced immature stages succumb during the winter or succeed
in completing their development during periods of favorable temperatures,

Long-decaying tree finally develops Graphium.--A report was received

from the laboratory this month confirming a tree in Old Lyne, Conn. , which
has been under alnost continuous observation since the fall of 1934. No
discoloration was discoverable on any of the three sets of samples submitted
during the past scouting season from this long-decaying and much-pruned
tree. After haying been finally removed as a DI, saiuples of bark contain-
ing Hylurgopinus rufipes Bich, beetles and wood specimens were submitted to
the laboratory for culturing. Graphium has been obtained from the beetle
galleries in the bark and some of the wood samples showed a small amount of
discoloration, but the material is still being held in culture since
Graphium has not as yet been isolated,

_ Sanitation crews reziove old trees.-~An elm of historical interest,
situated on Franklin turnpike near the center of Hohokus, Bergen County,
N., J., was tagged for removal late in the month, Washington and his gener—
als, it is said, were sheltered by this’ tree as they planned the Battle of
Hohokus. The historic scene is preserved in a mural in the Ridgewood, N. J.,
theater, One of the largest elus in Monmouth County, N. J,, was also re=
moved in November, It was a field tree, 74 inches in diometer at breast
height and at least 200 years old, probably standing before the Battle of
Monnouth was fought. Removal of the slowly dying tree was necessary when
lack of care caused it to come within the DT class,

Pruning project completed at Old Lyme, Conn,--November 2 marked the

completion of the.first major pruning project: undertaken since systematic
foliar scouting was ended for the season, A total of 3,539 man-hours were
expended in pruning 1,034 trees in the once badly infected area at Old Lyne,
Conn,. An average of 30 cuts were pruned from each tree. During the first

=

3 weeks of the month approximately 5,000 additional trees were pruned in
the najor and outlying areas of infection, .

Graphiun cultured from elm slash,--In clearing a right-of-way for
electric power lines through Green Township, Sussex County, N. J., work-
nen left a number of cut elms and a quantity of elm slash, Samples ob=
tained from one such pile of slash and submitted to the laboratorf were
confirmed as infected. with Dutch elm disease. Much of the material was
infested with beetles and constituted a probable source of inoculam,

Another diseased tree reported from Indianapolis.--A tree at at 90
percent dead was, eradicated at Indianapolis, Ind,, the last week (oe, (OlCiHeI=

ber and samples were submitted at that time. Dead and dying parts of the
tree had been sampled last summer, although no typical wilting was ob-
served. Native elm bark beetles had emerged from the tree.

‘Stored nursery stock requires gypsy moth inspection,--Several nur-
series located in the generally infested gypsy moth area in western Massa—

chusetts make a practice of storing Daphne evergreen plants and deciduous
trees and shrubs in preparation for the spring shipping season, At one
nursery 25,994 trees, 138,790 shrubs, and 50,000 Daphne plants were in-
spected at the time of digging for placement in winter storage. One gypsy
moth egg cluster was found on one of the plants inspected. At a smaller
nursery 12,280 Daphne plants were inspected for storage.

Seasonal inspection of Christmas greenery.--Inspection of carload
shipments of Christmas trees was in full swing during November. Absence
of cold spells and snow made ideal weather for this work. In western Mass-
achusetts and southern Vermont inspection of evergreen—bouzh lots was
practically completed by the end of November, To date, 19 egg clusters
have been removed from inspected bough lots. Reports from inspectors in-
‘dicate in excess of 150 carload shipments of evergreen plant material from
Barre, Vt.

Intercepted laurel returned for inspection.--A truckload of uncerti-
fied laurel originating in the badly infested area at Westerly, R. I., was

intercepted by an inspector stationed at the New York City Flover Market,
The driver was instructed to return to Westerly and have the material in-
spected and certified. At Westerly it was necessary to unload and unbale
the laurel to insure proper inspection.

FOREST INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Sawfly eggs numerous in unsprayed plantations.--J, V. Schaffner, Jre,

of the New Haven, Conn., laboratory, reports that on November 8 and 9 sev-
eral ‘red pine plantations were examined in Middlesex County, Mass., for

the presence of the sawfly Neodiprion sp. It was found that in some locali-—

ties where no spraying had been done for this pest in 1937, the egg deposit
in the needles was rather heevy, indicating it as a potential menace to red
pine in these localities in 1938,

Oks

Introduced parasite of oriental fruit moth increases.--P, A, Berry,
New Haven, reports that observations were made in November to determine
the abundance of the oriental moth (Cnidocampa flavescens Walk.) and the
introduced parasite Chaetexorista javana B, and B, The population of the
oriental moth has definitely increased over that of 1936 in 5 of the 17
observation points located at Boston, Mass., and nearby suburban towns.
The greatest increases noted.were at Cambridge and Winthrop, and lesser
increases at Revere and two localities in Dorchester, At=the other points
the infestation was about the same as that of 1936, Heavy infestations,
as evidenced by abundance of cocoons on shade and fruit trees, are extremely
local, Nearly 2,000 cocoons were collected and the prepypal larvae dis-
sected, .The results of the dissections showed a decided increase in para-
sitization over that of 1936 by the introduced parasite g. javana,

Emergence and distribution of Matsucoccus on pitch pine,--T, J, Parr,
New Haven, reports that inspection of the infestations at Madison and
Nashua, N, H., proves that the insects have emerged from the twigs in
these northern localities and are producing eggs under the loose—bark scales
on the large branches and main stems of the trees, Examination of material
received from Mont Alto, Pa., shows that nearly all of the insects have
left the twigs, although a few were still in the galls on November 8 In-
spection of pitch pine in Massachusetts shows a general, although somewhat
spotty, distribution over the eastern half of the State. Infestntions were
also found to be rather general in pitch pine areas in Rhode Island, being
heaviest along the shore, Several infestations not previously reported
have: been picked up in eastern end central Connecticut and a very light in-
. fegtation was found near Valatie, N. Y., on Route 9. This is believed to
be the first record for Matsucoccus in New York,

Mountain pine beetle activity increasing in northern California,--Bu-
reau survey crews are finding that the character of the 1947 infestation of
lodgepole pine by the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus monticolse Hopk. )
differs greatly from that of previous years, according to K, A. Salman, of
the Berkeley, Calif., leboratory. Although infested trees are not particu-—
larly abundant in many areas, insect attacks are vigorous, broods are
healthy, and one season of attack is sufficient to kill trees. For the last
few years infestations have resulted in strip killing, broods have been
relatively unsuccessful, and it has often required several years of attack
to kill trees, This change is interpreted as a reversal of infestation
trends, with marked increase in infestation and damage possibly due to ap-
pear within a few years.

_ QTemnochila virescens. F, is more important of two predators of moun—
tain pine beetle,--Preliminary studies:during the season of 1937 by G. R.
Struble, of the Berkeley laboratory, dealing with the seasonal history and
habits of the two more important predators of the mountain pine beetle in
sugar pine, indicate that T, virescens is a more efficient predator than
Enoclerus sphegeus F,

—————

Berkeley, reports that investigations on the work of the lodgepole needle—
miner (Recurvaria milleri Busck) during the past field season has brought

EE

me i

out some pertinent data on the control of this important pest of the
Yosemite forests, The eggs and newly hatched larvae are the most vul-
nerable points in the life cycle, as practically all of the larval feeding
takes place within the needle, where it is difficult for insecticides to
penetrate, Attention was concentrated, therefore, on the period before
_the young larvae enter the needles and start feeding, This occurs only in
‘July and August of each alternate year, Several different formulac includ-
ing oils, lead arsenate, nicotine, and organic compounds have been tested,
‘One of the greatest difficulties in applying a water spray is to find a
combination that will wet the new growth well without causing burning, The
most ‘promising of the materials tested are (1) fast-breaking emulsions con-
taining highly refined oils and nicotine sulphate of thiocyanates, (2) é
lead arsenate with "dynamite" spreader, and (3) vaporized oils with 95 per-
cent nicotine, The reason for developing sprays for control of the needle-
miner is to protéct the trees in recreational areas,

Pine beetle survey shows improved forest conditions in Northwest.--
One of the most extensive western pine beetle surveys ever conducted in
the ponderosa pine region of the Pacific Northwest was brought to a close
‘at the end of October, according to F. P. Keen, of the Portland, Oreg.,
laboratory. The Forest Service, the Office of Indian Affairs, and the
C. C. C. combined forces under plans outlined by this Bureau and covered
with extensive scouting work approximately 8,500,000 acres, or 75 percent
of the total ponderosa pine ecreage in Oregon and Washington, This survey
showed that conditions over the ponderosa pine region had greatly improved
during the last year, owing to control work and natural control factors.

Beetles active in Oregon's "Lost Forest,"~-One of the most interest-
ing and little-known forest areas in Oregon was recently visited by W. Jd.
Buckhorn, ‘of the Portland laboratory, while making a survey of pine~bark-
beotle activities, This isolated forest tract, which is known locally as
the "Lost Forest" and is seldom frequented, even by the natives, is lo-
cated in the high desert of southeastern Oregon about 40 miles east of the
towm of Silver Lake, The stand, composed of a ponderosa pine—juniper
type of site quality V, covers an area about 4 by 6 miles in size, and is
cotpletély isolated from other pine forests by about 30 miles of open
sagebrush and scattered juniper flats, The pine is scattered, although
seyeéral portions of the forest support stands of approximately 5,000 board
feet to the acre, Most of the pine is mature, with diameters up to 50
inches. There are few immature trees and almost no reproduction in the
area. During the last few years the loss froin the western pine beetle
(Dendréctonus brevicomis Lec.) has been exceedingly heavy, According to
Buckhorn, the loss along the south side of the forest will average about
80 percent of the stand, while on the north side about 30 percent of the
stand has been killed. At present beetle activity is less acute, owing
possibly to high larval nortality caused by the low temperatures last
winter, It is interesting to speculate on the source of this infestation
and whether the beetles will eventually succeed in exterminating this
isclated island of pine,

Ne

Carpenter ants in the Pacific Northwest.-—Various control methods

suggested in the past as satisfactory for dealing with carpenter ants

ave been tested recently to determine what methods can be recommended un-
der local conditions, Twenty-three chemicals and combinations were tried
on carpenter ant colonies in the woods. Results showed that carpenter ants
can be killed by a number of contact insecticides and fumigants, provided
the entire colony can be reached by the liquids or gases. Sodium fluoride,
a stomach poison, applied in runways gave fair results when used under dry
conditions, Several attempts at baiting proved unsuccessful, So far, none
of the previously recommended methods of control have proved satisfactory
under all conditions,

Weiser National Forest covered by insect survey.--J. C, Evenden re-
ports that a survey of the Weiser Netional Forest conducted under the super-
vision of the laboratory at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, was completed early in
November. The purpose of this survey was to obtain information relative to
the present status of the mountain pine beetle and Douglas fir beetle in-
festations, Though both of these insects have been responsible for consid-
erable damage during the last. few years, the survey indicated that the in-
festations apparently have decreased to a point where they are not alarm-—
ing. However, there are several situations that will need to be kept under
careful observation during the next few seasons,

Douglas fir beetle in Yellowstone National Park,--Duiring the winter
of 1934-35 Dovglas fir trees around Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park,
were severely injured by unseasonal temperatures. Practically all of the
foliage on these trees and a large percentage of the terminal buds were
destroyed, Though a number of these trees died from this injury, many pro-
vided the folisge necessary for recovery through the production of adven-—
titious buds which appeared during the past season, Mr. HEvenden reports
that Douglas fir beetle attacks. were found in a large number of the
weakened trees in 1937. ‘

Windfalls produce abundant bark-beetle broods.—-W. D. Bedard, Coeur
d'Alene, reports that windfalls are practically nonresistant to bark—beetle
attack, and serve as excellent host material, Owing to the moisture pro-
vided by one or two uninjured roots, these trees often remain in a condi-
tion suitable for bark-beetle attack for two seasons.

Bark-beetle attacks in elm logs produce Dutch elm disease.--C, W.
Collins, of the Morristown, N. J., laboratory, reports that small living
elm trees were cut and transported to Oyster Bay, Long Island, N. Y., where
they were placed at two points in the immediate vicinity of which trees af-
fected with the Dutch elm disease had been removed in 1936. Two trees were
put at one point (A) and ona at the other point (B), After being exposed
for 5 weeks the trees were cut into sections and replaced by the same nun—
ber of freshly cut trees. The sections were brought to Morristown where
they were peeled, the bark beetle galleries counted, and certain galleries
cut out and cultured to find out whether the Dutch eln disease fungus
(Ceratostonella ulmi (Schwarz) Buisman) was present in them. Except for two

a ti a i ea

=a

galleries of Hylurgopinus rufipes Bich, and one of Scolytus sulcatus Lec.,
all the bark-beetle “gallaries . found in the trees. were made by Scolytus
nultistriatus Marsh, The nunber of galleries formed and the percentage
giving C, ulmi were much higher . in the last set of trees put out than in
the other’ sets. ‘This is CLERC A Ae inthe following table,

Dates when trees:S. .nultistriatus:S. nultistriatus:Galleries: Gelleries
were cut and igalleries found : galleries giving : giving

placed at point : in trees : cultured Slee alba ak Gry sblllielet
*. | Number s Number * Number‘: Percent
Point A - So. : ty
May 17---=-----+-- - ) ats @) ; Ore ats )
June 21--------- : a8 : 58 rae ebatng lero ool 0
July 26--------- : LO7 : SOO; hot ceesmemee Gut! oho 2,0
August 30------- : 1,192 100 em eOr an is 20.0
Point B - : - Su me
Mewij=e-———— — : 76 : 18: : Gi ais 7.9
June 21--------- - 65 - 65 : Qe 0
July 26--------- : 633 : 100 : Oren ce 6)
August 30------- : 1,828 : 50 : 8 : 16.0

Treating elm stumps with chemicals.--R, R, Whitten, Morristown, sub-—
mits the following summary of experiments which he has conducted in co-
operation with T. W. Grahan, of the Division of Forest Pathology of the
‘Bureau of Plant Industry, and with the Dutch elm disease eradication unit.
Between 600 and 700 stumps from recently cut elm trees were experimentally
treated with various chenicals to prevent sprouting and bark-beetle attacks,
The following-chenicals were applied to the stumps: Copper sulphate, copper
sulphate with calcium chloride, sodium dichromate, ammonium bifluoride,
sodium chlorate, and sodium arsenite, Paradichlorobenzene and calcium
cyanide were applied to the soil under the stump. All treatments were made
during April 1937. In November 1937 each treated stump and 50 untreated
stumps were entirely debarked and exanined for sprouting, live wood, and
bark beetle attacks. The results are included in the following table,

: Stump condition a : Bark-

Chemical Stunps:Entirely:Partly :Entirely: Stumps :beetle

treated: dead’: alive : alive :sprouting:galleries

Nunber : Percent:Percent: Percent: Percent : Number
Copper sulphate------ 119 (0 tera zie ues / ladies @) 30 : O

Copper sulphate and- ; : : H : :

calcium chloride---: 99 ;: elas Miley 7 Men ere or ifn @)
Sodium dichronate----: 100 : ae oe HO: z(Sinaled fo)
Ansoniun bifluoride--: 100 : ete ee as, ce Gre ih ala hd @)
Sodium chlorate------ oe 5 eh al ta Opa 18) me ppr Sl
Sodiun arsenite~----- : 0) ete 1 Sy SU Us 2 : 50 - @)
Paradichlorobenzene--: 50 : ne ial ada ia ¢ SO ee dt
Calciun cyenide------ ee me Cece ss (Ohare 0
Checks--------------- - deguas 9 faget Oger Oren) OO 4 oss SH 8 0)

m1 Yon

Chemical treatments to remove elm trees.--Mr, Whitten also reports
on the results of experiments, conducted by hin and other members of the
Morristown laboratory during the past season, on the use of chemicals as
a means of removing undesirable eln trees, To be effective the tree must
be entirely killed and protected against any subsequent bark-beetle attack. |
The following table includes the results of a few of the most effective
chemicals and one of the least effective for comparison,’

‘ : : Bark-beetle broods

Treatnent ; Trees :Time of treatment: Trees : per tree
sexanined: : dead 3:5, multistriatus:H.rufipe

: : Number :* : :Percent: Nunber : Number
NEP. hf - H50------ : 12 October 1936 ci) HOOT: 0 ene)
NHYF,hf - H20------ 3 6 May 1936) ct Dea 0 0
NaASOs ~ Hp03------ : 33 sMay-August 1937 : 98 : (Oy peek .
CuSOy - Hp0-~------ ; 45 wMay-August 1937 : 90 3 0.16 So n0.4 (am
GuSO, -(dry salt)--: ‘27 :May-August-1937 : 79 3: 3.59 Sues Oi )

No brush accunulated fron gypsy moth thinning work.--There has been

sufficient rainfall this autumn throughout the area where Federal W. P. A,
&yosy noth work is being carried on to prevent damage to the forests |
through that source, and it has been possible to immediately cispose of
most of the waste material resulting from this type of work, either by

GYPSY MOTH AND BROWN=TAIL MOTH CONTROL

burning or by the use of the machine that converts brush and forest debris
into sawdust.

Scouting work suspended in some swamps and highlands.--Gypsy noth
‘scouting work was temporarily discontinued in certain types of territory .
in various secticns because of unfavorable climatic conditions,

Check-up by experienced exployees improves scouting.--Supervisory en-
ployees directing Federal W. P, A. gypsy noth work in Vernont, Massachu-
setts, and Connecticut report. noticeable improvezent in the work of the
W. P. A. scouts in their charge since a small force of agents paid fron
regular appropriation funds has been assigned to check their work,

f Barbed-wire fence removal delayed,—-Government-owned barbed-wire
fences, erected last spring to exclude livestock from sections that were
to be sprayed for the gypsy moth, have been rémoved in a few scattered lo-
calitics, However, most of the fences cannot be removed and returned to
storage until after the first general fall of snow forces the confinement
of cattle to barns and yards, The unseasonably warm weather prevalent in
New England: and Pennsylvania, has enabled the property owners to continue
grazing cattle in the pastures and many of the fences are still needed to
protect the livestock from poisoned foliage,

ee

5

Two gypsy moth colonies found in Princeton, Maine.--During the first
week in November the gypsy moth scouting crew assigned to duty in Washing-

ton County, Maine, discovered an infestation in the town of Princeton,
which is only one town removed from the border of the Province of New
Brunswick, The infestation, which consisted of 3 egg clusters, is located
approximately 1/2 mile from the site of the colony found in that town dur-—
ing the fiscal year 1937. The tree growth in the immediate vicinity of
this infestation is composed chiefly of white and paper birch, poplar,
maple, spruce, and fir. Later, the crew found another colony of 25 egg
clusters, The second colony is located approximately 1s Miles east of the
first infestation and = mile east of Princeton,

Steep slopes and debris from forest fires retard scouting.--Progress
of gypsy moth scouting work in Kidder and Penn Forest Townships in Carbon

County, Pa., has been slow, A large percentage of the territory now being
scouted has been burned over repeatedly, leaving much debris on the
ground, which must be examined, Considerable additional time is required
to remove loose bark from trees damaged by the fires, as egg clusters fre-
quently deposited under such bark cannot otherwise be detected.

New gypsy moth infestation discovered by former employee.—-For the
second tine within a year, a former gypsy moth employee has discovered and

reported a new infestation in Pennsylvania. During the first week in No-
veriber a man who had previously been employed on gypsy noth work observed
egg clusters while walking through a wooded section in Lehigh Tovmship,
Lackawanna County, which is within the quarantined area. He reported his
discovery to the supervisor in charge of the district.

‘
Strict regulations enforced while scouting powder works.--Gypsy noth
scouting work was begun on the property of the Atlas Powder Coripany in
Pittston Township, Pa., carly in November. Each Federal W, P, A. worker
scouting in this area is searched daily for matches, lighters, or other
dangerous articles before passing the fence, and is required to wear rubber-
soled footwear, A company guard accompanies the men while they are within
the fenced area. Gypsy moth infestations have been found in the locality
in previous years,

Unusual crew formation used in nountainous country.--Gypsy moth
scouting of a mountainous area several niles long and 1 nile wide in Barrett
Township, Monroe County, Pa., has progressed slowly, but completion is ex-
pected in the near future. This area is particularly hazardous because of
the loose stones and bowlders that cover the exceedingly steep slopes, It

has been necessary for the crews to cover this territory in reverse echelon

formation, so that the men on the lower end of the scout line would not be
in the path of stones dislodged by workers higher up on the cliffs. here
is an area of sinilar terrain approxzinately > niles long and 1 mile wide
adjoining this area, but situated in Paradise Tormship, which probably can-
not be examined before noxt spring,

Severe infestations east of the barrier zone in Massachusetts.—-Heavy
gypsy moth infestations near the eastern border of the barrier zone furnish
a source of supply from which small caterpillars are scattered by the wind.

=16—

C. C. ©. enrollees have reduced the intensity of many of the more severe
infestations, thereby ee nen aS the poeicee of yearly reinfestation of
the barrier zone by. windspread.

‘Selective tipi Pedieess dneoutatton in heavily infested woodland
block. --Approximately 55,000 gypsy. moth. egg clusters have been destroyed
by C. C. C. enrollecs'in a. 48-acre block of. woodland in the town of Rocking-
ham, Windham County, Vt. .y. Which. is! alten ig to the New Hampshire State line.

PLANT, DISEASE CONTROL

Testing Bennereieg for. susceneinsaiey to stem rust.--In the testing

of barberry species and varieties for determination of resistance or sus-~
ceptibility, fall inoculations in the greenhouse at St. Paul, Minn., are
proceeding rapidly. Most ofthe bushes leafed out at about the same time.
Barberries in. the. doubtful. class with respect to susceptibility are being
tested and more data are. being: obtained on some varieties recently added

to the resistant class. Availability. of good telial material of Puccinia
graminis avenac has made it possible for the first time to make crosses be-
tween this variety. of- stem rust and other.varieties on barberries. The cul-
tures obtained will be grown for physiologic-race determination and possible
hybridization. Results obtained thus. far in hybridization experiments are
embodied in an-abstract of a paper to be presented at the Indianapolis,

Ind. , meetings, entitled, "Experiments in crossing varieties of Puccinia
graminis," by Ralph U. Cotter and Moses N. Levine. |

‘Proliminary results of the 1937 stem rust survey.--Two additional ab-

stracts have been approved for presentation at Indianapolis: "The epi Ca ae
ology of stem rust of wheat in three successive contrasting years," Bie EK. ace
Stakman et al., which describes and compares stem rust in 1935, 195.6%

1937; end "The increase end importance Of race 56 of Puccinia ech inie ate
ci," by E. C. Stakman and R. C. Cassell. The physiologic-race survey of

P. graminis tritici for 1937 is well along toward completion. To November 19,
identification had been completed of 1,120 isolations made from 875 uredial
collections from the United Stxtes; of 7O.isolations from 44 collections

made in northern Mexico; and of 48 aecial collections, comprising 76 isola-
tions. A total of 20 physiologic races was identified in urcdial collec-
tions from the United States, 135 from Mexico, and 19 races from barberry ma-
terial. Thus, a different physiologic race was obtained from each 56 uredial
isolations in the United States, or from each YU éollections. On the other
hand, a different race was found in every 4 aecial. isolations, or in each

% collections. The five most prevalent races in the uredial collections
were as follows: 56, 11, 49, 38, and 17; and in the collections of aecia,

38, 56,11, 49, 59, Observations on fall infection in the Mississippi Val-
ley have been made and attempt is being made to determine how long the
uredial stage lives in these infection centers. Studies also are being made
of the dissemination of. spores by the wind, particularly in Texas.

Progr ess of barberry survey in Michigan.--According to F. B. Powers,
in charge of barberry eradication in Michigan, a complete survey of Barry,
Haton, and Washtenaw Counties has been accomplished since July 1 and some
work has been dono in Arenac and Calhoun Counties. Work is now under way in

-l7-

Bay, Branch, Hillsdale, Kent, Midlond, Montcalm, Saginaw, and Tuscola
Counties. Extensive aroas of escaped bushes have been found in all except
Montcalm County. In Barry County a farme-to-farm survey was made in 1923
and 1924, resulting in the eradication of 2,393 bushes on 43 properties. A
detailed inspection of this entire county with emergency labor during 1936
ond 1937 has resulted in the eradication of more. than 15,000 bushes on e271
propertics. <All but sbvout 300 of the bushes destroyed were found growing
wild in timbered arenas scattered throughout the county.

Progress of barberry eradication in Dane. County, Wis.--A recent report

submitted by Vorn 0. Taylor, leader in charge of barberry eradication in
Wisconsin, shows the progress that has been made to reduce the barberry pop-
ulation in Dane County, which is recozgnized as one of the largest continuous
barberry infestations in the control area. On 46 properties comprising
about 5% sections of land, more than 1,164,900 bushes and seedlings had been
destroyed prior to 1933. <A survey mode in 1933 and 1934 with P. W. A. labor
in the same arca resulted in the cradication of about 4,600 bushes and seed-
lings. This area was covered again in 1937 when 6,200 bushes and sccedlings
were destroyed. While the number found in 1937 exceeds the number destroyed
in 1935, the bushes were small and additional secdlinzs were found only on

5 of the 46 propertics. Mr. Taylor explains that the summer of 1935 was
particularly favorable for seed germination and seedling survival. He be-
lieves this may account for the increased number of small bushes found in
1937, 28 compared with 1933. The 1937 survey was also more intensive than
the work done in 1933, as an attempt was made to get all bushes and seed-
lings, regardless of size. In view of the very small proportion of proper-
ties having seedlings this year, it is expected that very few bushes will be
found when future resurveys are madc.

Spread of blistcr rust in the North Central Statcs.--The past scason

has been especially favorezble for the spread of blister rust in the Middle
West. Scouting resulted in the finding of infection on cultivated black
currants in Lake, McHenry, Boone, Winnebago, and Kane Counties, Ill. No in-
fection was found in Indiana nor in southeastern Nebraska. In Iowa six in-
fected Ribes nigrum bushes were found on Se»vtember 17 at Emmetsburgs, Palo
Alto County. In Michizsan infection was found on Ribes for the first time in
Wayne, Livingston, Arenac, Gratiot, Washtenaw, Shiawassee, and Ogemaw Coun-
ties. In Wisconsin the discnse was found for the first time on Ribes in
Kenosha, Milwaukec, Racine, Walworth, and Waukesha Countics, the heaviest
infection occurring in Racine and Kenoshe Counties adjoining Lake Michizan.
Most of these infections were on cultivated black currents. In addition,
infection was revorted for the first time on both pine and Ribes in Tren-
peealeau County, Wis. In Ohio, the rust was found on Ribes in Lorain and
Fairfield Counties for the first time. No newly infected counties were
added to the list in Minnesota, but a new pine infection center was found in
St. Louis County, a short distance from the Canadian border. This is the
first time infection has been found in this part of St. Louis County and ex-
tends the knowm range of blister rust infection in Minnesota about le miles
farther north. About 80 percent of the trees in the small area examined
were infected with blister rust,

Control work in the Northeastern States.--In connection with the es-
tablishment and maintenance of blister rust control in this region during

-18-

the period May to September 1937, a total of 655,521 acres was cleared of
16,936,650 wild Ribes and 17,554 cultivated bushes as a result of 211,850
man~days of work. Over 81 percent of this acreage was protected by labor
provided by the E. C. W. and W. P. A. programs.

Blister rust found adjacent to Yellowstone Nationel Park.--This fall
infection on Ribes petiolare was found on the Gallatin National Forest in

Montana within 19 miles of the northwest corner of Yellowstone Park and 26
miles of the Montana-Wyoming line. This infection is one of 16 found during
the course of scouting southeast of the Inland Empire white pine belt in a
region that has a scattered but large acreage of whnitebark and limber pine.
The 16 infections are distributed on the 4 national forests between the
western white pine region and Wyoming as follows: Bitterroot, 11; Deerlodge,
1; Beaverhead, 3; and Gallatin,.1. The location of infection on the Beaver—
head and Gallatin forests marked the first discoveries of rust east of the
Continental Divide in the Northwest region. Because of heavy Ribes defolia-
tion and leaf darkening from freezing temperatures and snow, it was neces-
sary to terminate the scouting in Yellowstone Park and the adjacent forests
in Montana after only a small portion of the area had been worked. It is
believed that the discovery of one infection by only a relatively small
amount of work on badly defoliatcd bushes indicates that there were probably
several undiscovered Ribes infections in and adjacent to Yellowstone Park.
Some of these will probably result in pine infection centers, since one or
both of these two species of five-needle pines occur throughout most of the
area, even in the predominant lodgepole pine type. Although R. petiolare,
which is generally plentiful throughout the region scouted, was used as the
chief scouting species, eight other species of Ribes, each of which is an
associate of the five-needle pines, were observed. Infection was found on
five species, namely, R. petiolare, R, inerme, R. viscosissimun, R. triste,
and R, irriguum.

Spread of blister rust in Southern Appalachian region.--This year
H. E.. Yost, State blister rust leader in Maryland, located the rust on
Ribes in Baltimore County, Md., near Lutherville, a short distance north
of Baltimore, and neer Bengues, east of Baltimore. In Harford County a
plantation containing about 1,600 cultivated red currants was found to be
about 75 percent infected with blister rust, while in Carroll County a
light infection was found on cultivated red currants near Westminster. For-
tunately, there were no white pines very near-these infected Ribes. The
rust was found for the first time in the State of Delaware at Hockessin,
in New Castle County, on four R, nigrum bushes. In West Virginia light in-
fection on wild gooseberries was located in Greenbriar County. In Virginia
blister rust was discovered for the first time on wild Ribes in Alleghany
County. Pine and Ribes infection was found to be quite heavy from the top
of Shenandoah Mountain north of Briary Branch to Bother Knob, a distance of
4u miles, This area lies in Pendleton County, W. Va,., and Rockingham County,
Va. In Augusta County, Va., pine and Ribes were found infected in Braley
Branch and infected pine were located on the Shiflett plantation.

Blister rust in the "fruiting" stage reported in Massachusetts in Novem—

ber.--C. C. Perry reports the finding of a young branch canker in the active

et

-19-

aecial stage at Belchertown, Mass., in November. While our records show
that the development of aecia at this time of year has been noted before,
it is so rare as to be worthy.of ‘mention. ‘

COTTON INSECT INVESTIGATION

Population studies of hemipterous insects attacking cotton.--A survey
to obtain more information concerning. the abundance’ of various species of
hemipterous insécts, wild-host-plant reldt ionships, seasonal distribution, *
and other ‘similar factors in relation to ‘cotton in the irrigated sections of
Arizona, New Mexico, California, ‘and ‘southwestern Texas was mode by Horace :
G. Jolmston in July,’ August, and ‘September. ° Population counts were made by :
sweeping and ‘by ‘examination of plants in ‘different localities. Fifty species
of hemipterou's insects were collccteé in ‘cotton fields, some for the first ;
time, and at least 15 of the species affect cotton production enough to be
considered importent. For convenience the species of economic importance may
be divided into: (1) The toll- feeding groun, which include in the order eal
their importance, Euschistus impictiventris Stal., Chlorochroa sayi Sta C.
ligata Say, Thyanta custator Fab., Dysdercus mimulus Hussey, @ and cme
mus succinctus Linn, These specics are gregarious and are constantly. moving
so the population is seldom uniform in a field and their relative importance

varies greatly in different localities. The two latter snecies were seldom
sufficiently numerous to be of much importance. (2) The souere-feeding group
of mirids include Lygus hesperus Knight, Psallus seriatus Reut., Parthenicus
sp., Creontiades fonoralis V. D., Adclphocorus superbus perbus Uhl., and “Rhina acloa |
forticornis Reut. The first three species are now definitely known to also
feed on small bolls and to cause shedding. (3) The predatory zroup include
Geocoris sonorsensis V. D., Nabis ferus Linn., Zelus socius Uhl., Zelus
renardi Kolo., and Orius: insidiosus Say. But little is known of their fecd-
ing habits in cotton fields. Chlorochroa sayi and Lygus. clisus were found
feeding on RuSsian-thistle (Salsola pestifer r) across southern New Mexico and
into northwestern Texas. No C. sayi were found east of Pyote, Tex., though
Russian-thistle was abundant fer oner east. Psallus seriatus, the cotton
flea hopper, and its most importent wild host plant. (Croton sp.) wore not
found after a diligent search at Presidio, Tex., though 2h both were found on
the north slone of the Chinati Mountains, which border the valley to the
north. lLyzus elisus, L. hesperus, and Parthenicus sp. were found on cotton
in the Pahrump Valley near Las Vegas, Nev., where cotton was being grown

for the first time. The peculiar distribution and seasonal abundance of
some of the specics cannot yet be explained. It is suspected that the popu-
lations, in part, at least, are due to lonz—distance migrations, as some of
the Gnormous populations found in cotton fields could not be explained on
the basis of local migrations from alfalfa and other crops.

Pink bollworm population studies.—-Records were again taken this season
by H. S. Cavitt and 0. T. Robertson to determine the percentage of bolls in-
fested, the number of larvae per boll, and the worm population per acre in
their studies of the factors influencing the seasonal abundance of the pink
bollworm in the Big Bend. Green bolls from 30 fields, selected as repre-
sentative of the orea, were examined biweekly, the same fields being used in
1936 and 1937. Results for the 2 years are shown in the following table.

_20-

: as 1937 a
Larva (Greeny. Bree sLarvae :Green:
per in-!bolls:Larvae : sper in-!bolls:Larvae

’
Period :
e

© ee ce ec

ending Boll's .:) fested $ per): per By Astolalis moor es : per 2) per

infested? - boll -splant: -acne: -tinfested DOle tpilanitismacrwe

‘Percent ; No. : No. : No. rPorcent No. 93 No. 3° “Now
Aud, W=15---=; 12.17 3° Toe: GIS: 1eROOgr™ 27.93. 2Ng san tomeas
Auge UG-51---: 36.57 : 2.54 3-822 8 65,420: 735.27) 24.90) 2 Onbmsomeagos
Sep. I-15----? 74.20 2 UNS 0: 758 2177,805! 97.30 5: Sa70 2 3. lu cebeunes
Sep. 16=30---3 93.77 § 7.08 3 5.0 s2l2, 004 OO. 67 110m: dec. mle onnee
Oct. W=15—---* 100.00 3 10.55" #24 aenGo, 132: 100.007 3 21246" 3) TO goers
Oct. aoe ia TOOROO) nai aiow ous da WEL WOS's 100.00) 3) 9OLU1e: Os Ole fOmgen

. The infestation and population per acre during the early part of 1937
_ was considerably higher than for the same periods last year. Although there
_ were more worms per acre at the heisht:of the. infestation, the peak popula-
tion (242,588 larvee. per acre) was reached during the-first holf of Septem
WOR GON, OF: weeks earlier than in 1936.. There was » decline in the num-
ber of worms per acre following the peaks. in both years but by the end of
the year 1937 the ponulation was considerably lower than in 1936. During
1936 there was a steady increase in the number of larvae in infested bolls
from August 1, to October 31, while in 1937 the greatest number of worms per
boll (11.9) were found durin= the last 2‘weeks of September. The smaller
worm population during the latter part of this season as compared to last
year is attributed largely to the carly maturity of. the crop. The earliness
of the crop is indicated by the peak production of green bolls per plant,
which occurred during the first half of August in-1937, and during the-latter
half of August in 1936.° Tne decline in number of bolls per plant was also
much more rapid than last year, althowzn the average yield per acre will be
apnroximately the same. The earlier maturity of the 1937 crop with the re-
sulting late~season reduction in the number of bolls per plant and worm pop-
ulation per acre was due to the more extensive use of early maturing varie-
ties with determinate growth habits, carlicr. planting, closer spacing of
plants in the row, and favorable, seasonal conditions. The earlier crop will
also.aid in reducing the carry-over of long cycle or hibernating: larvae by
permitting the crop to be picked and the fields cleaned earlier in the fall.
The higher temperatures carlier in the scason are more favorable for larvae
to complete development ond emerze this fall than the lower temperatures
later in the season, and it is expected that a smaller percentaze of the lar-
vec present will go into. hibernation. The use of better varieties and in-
proved agronomic pre cctices for growing cotton under pink bollworm conditions
are based on the results of experimental work by S. L. Calhoun, of the Pre=
sidio laboratory.

Longevity of the boll weevil.--G. L. Smith reports that 5 of the 76
boll weevils emerzing from hibernation /cazes at Tallulah ond kept under ob-
servation for lonzevity studies were still alive on November 1 and were
placed in hibernation cages for the second winter. In 1934 two weevils lived
until November 1, but in 1935 and 1936 all died before this date, This is

Soy

the largest number ever carried through the year until time for hibernation
installation the next year. There are no records of boll weevils living
through two winters.

PINK BOLLWORM AND THURBERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

Gin-trash inspection.--Gin-trash inspection has been completed in
the Texas Panhandle district and in southwestern Oklahoma. No indication
of infestation was found in Oklahoma. In the Texas Panhandle several
additional specimens were found in two counties where infestation hnd been
discovered the previous month. Intensive inspections just outside this dis-
trict continued to give negative results. In the Tucson section additional
specimens ‘of the pink bollworm. and also of the Thurberia weevil were found.
A light infestation of the pink bollworm was also discovered near Feldman,
Ariz., in Pinal County, where a few hundred acres are grown. Incidentally,
the Thurberia weevil quarantine line goes through the middle of the ranch
on which the finding was made. After finding the light infestations in
the Tucson section and at Feldman, it was considered advisable to give the
Salt River Valley of Arizona a rather thorough inspection. Consequently,
five machines were sent there about the middle of November, and on Novem-
ber 23, one specimen of the pink bollworm was found at Casa Grande, in
Pinal County. Intensive inspections have been continued there since the
finding, with negative results, as has also been the case in the Salt River
Valley. In view of the favorable conditions for inspection, and the large
amount of trash inspected, it appears that the infestation at Casa Grande
is extremely light. Steps are now being taken to add this new section to
the regulated area.

Destruction of stalks.--The destruction of cotton stalks in the lower
Rio Grande Valley of Texas has gone forward, with excellent cooperation
from farmers and others concerned. At the end of October over-half of the
original stelks standing at the beginning of the month had been destroyed.
There has been very little rainfall in the valley the last few months and
this has made the destruction of stalks much more difficult. All fields in
which stub cotton came up were taken care of before it began fruiting.
There has recently been some cold weather which has halted the growth of
stub cotton. On the Mexican side of the river, where the same program is
being carried out, it was approximately 95 percent completed. All of the
acreage on which stalks are still standing is in the upper part of the dis-
trict, where no infestation was found this season.

Road-traffic inspection.--At the Marfa, Tex., road station 20 confis-
cations of contraband material were made during the month, § of which were
infested with the pink bollwcorm. The infested material consisted of small
lots of sced cotton, 52 living and 1 dead pink bollworm larvae being in-
tercepted. One of these infestcd interceptions might have been the means
of spreading infestation to another area, as 37 living and 1 dead larvae
were found in 1 pound of seed cotton on November 2, This is the largest
infested interception made this scason.

Thurberia-plent cradication.--This activity hes gone forward satis-
factorily throuzhout the month. Very good progress has been made, consid-
ering the fact that the camp was moved to a new site and approximately 4

eee

miles of trail had to be made so that equipment could be carried by the
pack train. It appears that work can be carricd on from this new site

for some time. During the month 1,840 acres were gone over and 19,417

Thurberia plants destroyed.

Wild cotton.--The cradication of wild cotton in southern Florida
made excellent progress throughout the month, as weather conditions were
favorable, Some of the crews were handicapped somewhat, as rough water
caused a little. delay in the boat work. It is of interest to note that
there is a reduction of from 20 to 30 percent in the usual number of plants
encountered, and very few of them have contained mature bolls, By the end
of the month all of the Bradenton area had been recleaned, and considerable
progress made in the Fort Myers, Florida Bay, and Mainland Key areas. A
camp was being set up at Cape Sable at the end of the month and work was-to
get under way in that area shortly. Throughout the month 1,770 acres were
zone over, and acproximately 57,000 seedling ond 100 sprout plants were ree
moved. In addition, $55 acres were covered without finding any wild cotton.
Approximately 150 wild cotton bolls were inspected from Key Largo and
Lower Matecumbe and 2 pink bollworm larvae were found.

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Cryolite-dust mixtures and cornmeal-cryolite baits give promising ro-
sults in control of tomato fruitworm.--Joseph Wilcox and M,. W. Stone, of
the Alhambra, Calif., laboratory, report that the results obtained from. 523
field plots of tomatoes treated for the control of Heliothis obsoleta Wy cakin
southern California in 1937 disclosed that the most promising results were
obtained with a dust mixture consisting of equal parts of cryolite (either
notural or synthetic) and tale, and with a bait made of 25 pounds of corn-
meal to 1 pound of cryolite. Uusally three applications of each material
were made in these tests, the first being applied when the plants were about
“1 foot in diameter and the other applications were spaced at 2-weck intervals.
Since biological investizations have disclosed that most of the tomato fruit—
worm eggs are’ deposited on the upper or lower surfaces of the tomato leaves
at the periphery of the plant, special attention was devoted to this por-
tion of the plant when applying insecticides. The dust mixtures were ap-
plied with rotary hand dusters and the bait was broadcast by hand over the
leaves of the plant. Sprays were also tried in several fields and the most
promising were those containing 4 pounds of cryolite to 100 gallons of water
or phenothiazine at the rate of 3 pounds to 100 gallons of water. Prelim-
inary analyses of samples of tomatoes picked from the treated plots indi-
cated that when a 3-week interval had clapsed between the time of the last
applicetion and the time the sample wes picked, no excess residue was found.
Additional investications will be necessary, however, before definite con-
clusions can be reached on the insecticide-residue phase of the tomato fruit-
worm problem,

Negative results in attempt to control bulb nematode by hich frequency
wavesssoin preliminary tests verformed at New Brunswick, N. J., ty R. Latta
and F. S. Blanton, of the Babylon, N. Y., laboratory, in cooperation with
T. J. Headlee and D. Manley Jobins, of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment

pay fa

Station, in an attempt to control the bulb nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci
(Kuhn) Filipjev) by high-frequency waves in the radio band; negative re-
sults were obtained, since no mortality to the bulb nematode resulted
after exposures of 30 minutes, using waves of 12.5 and 42 meters. It was
demonstrated that the rays were not absorbed to any great extent by bulb
tissue, which resulted in a slow rate of temperature increase and no lethal
effect on the nematodes. Infra-red rays were absorbed by the surface

ayers of tissue. :

dopulation shows general decrease in San Joaquin Val-—
ley.--G. T. York, of the Modesto, Calif., laboratory, :reports that, as a
result of surveys made in the weed areas of the San Joaquin Valley of Cali-
fornia during the fall of 1937, it has been determined that in general the
population of Butcttix tenellus Bak. has decreased during the 4-year period
from 1934 to 1937, inclusive. The estimated population in 1934 was ap-—
proximately 120,169 million; in 1935, 8,205 million; in 1936, 25,000 mil-
Mens and In 1937, 10,000 million.

Hot- water ‘treatment controls cyclamen mite.--F. F. Smith, of the Belts~
ville, Md., laboratory, reports that the first application of the hot-water
treatment to control Tarsonemus pallidus Banks on cyclamens under commercial
conditions was made on approximately 4,000 plants at Alexandria, Va., in
October 1937. In the course of these tests, the mite-infested plants yore
subjected to the standard hot-water treatment: of immersing the plants com-
pletely for 15 minutes in hot water mointained at-a temperature of 110 fF,
Approximately 90 percent of the plants subjected-to this treatment showed
severe injury by the cyclamen mite, which would have rendered them valueless
had not some control been applied. As a result of the hot-water treatment,
the treatcd plants showed no evidence of injury and, compared with typical ©
untreated plants reserved as checks, showed considerable improvement in
growth ond flower—bud development. At the end of November an examination
of the treated plants disclosed that they were apparently free from mites
end that they developed satisfactorily without any indication of injury
from the treatment.

Physical qualities of rotenone-tobacco dust mixture not improved by
adding clay.--Experiments and observations during the last several years
have indicated that finely ground and sterilized tobacco dust is tho most
satisfactory diluent for cube or derris when applied to shade-grown tobacco
in combating the tobacco flea beetle (Epitrix parvula Fab.). Some tobacco
growers, however, were of the opinion that the physical qualities of this
dust mixture could be improved by the addition of finely ground Georgia clay.
As a result of experiments to test this theory, F. S. Chamberlin, of the
Quincy, Fla., laboratory, roports that the addition of the cley to the cus-
tomary cube- or derris-tobacco dust mixture used for combating the tobacco
flea beetle apparently did not improve its dusting qualities when applied
with rotary hand—operated dusters. It appeared that the use of a dust mix-
ture containinz 1 percent rotenone, with 75 percent tobacco dust end 25 per-
cent finely ground Georgia clay as a diluent, on shade-grown tobacco under
favorable weather conditions at the rate cof 6 pounds per acre did not leave
conspicuous residues on the cured tobacco leaves, Heavier applications of

a2

this dust mixture, however, did leave conspicuous denosits on the cured
product. In general, these experiments demonstrated that the addition of
finely ground clay to the derris- or cube-tobacco dust mixture did not
result in any aporeciable improvement in the finished dust mixture and may
cause a perma nent white residue to remain on the treated leaves.

Pea weevil infestations in Palouse area of ital. andl Washington.~--
T. A. Brindley and F. G. Hinman, of the Moscow, Idsho, laboratory, report
that on the basis of data collected by the pea grading service of the Bur-
eau of Agricultural Beonomi¢s, cooperating with the Department of Asronony
of the University of, Idaho, it appears that the pea weevil infestation in
the Palouse area, showed a slight decrease in 1957, as. compared to the pre-
ceding 3 years. These data are based on collections of samples made in
56 locations in Washington and 15) locations in Ideho. The pertinent data
from these examinations are shown in the following table.

locations in Washington 13 locations in Idaho’

ee Saas inféstations ane. -Infestations :
: caeaaie Ten mega : tAverage for
:Average :Maximunm sAverage ‘Maximum: territor

; Number ‘Percent *Percent: Percent
: 7 4 SMG H We 2 BG
Uo Ue ISS) US ATT Met © OD2Uh ky site ee Le
MORO GSS cee NOS a MG ouhe| Use eee e. rae 5 lasts
1937--3: 795 Cube reals eG sg OMe PM SS BO) 186 A2SIG Teo Zs\5)//

‘Number ‘Percent *Percent

ee.

e °
® °
° °
e °
° 6
° * e
« °
® ¢
® o
®

°
e °
°

1934--

The samples from which the infestation data were taken were obtained
by taking small uniform samples from every fifth bag ‘of each grower's lot
of peas as they were driven to the warehouses. Fron this composite sample,
250 grams were examined to determine the percentage of weevil-infestcd
peas on a weight basis.

Bait of cornmeal, zinc phosphide, and yeast as control for mole
cricket.--As - result of recent leboratory tests, J. N. Tenhet, of the San-
ford, Fla., lsboratory, reports that under the conditions of fhe experi-
ments, a bait consisting of a combination of cornmeal, zinc phosphide, and
yeast gave surprisingly superior results to any other combination bait
tested against mole crickets (Scept eriscus spp.). It was definitely shown
that a bait containing cornmeal was slizhtly superior to the other foods
tested; that both paris green and zinc phosphide were definitely more ef-
apounee than derris and calcium arsenato; that zinc phosphide was much
more highly significant in effectiveness than paris green; and that the
use of brewer's yeast did not increase the effectiveness of any bait to justi-
fy its use, except when this yeast was used in combination with cornmeal and
zinc phosphide. In view of the relatively high effectiveness of baits con-
taining zine phosphide in controlling mole crickets under laboratory condi-
tions, it seemed desirable to determine the effect of such a bait on the
foliaze of celery seedlings, because celery seedbeeds arc frequently injured
by mole crickets in Florida. For this purpose a bait made up at the rate :of
100 pounds of cornmeal, 5 pounds of zine phosphide, and 2 pounds of brewer's

eee

yeast was broadcast heavily on the foliage of small celery seedlings. No
foliege injury resultcd.

INSECTS INFESTING MAN AND ANIMALS

Shape of egszs determines species-of certain Aedes mosquitoes.--H. H,

Stage and C. M. Gjullin, who‘are studying the biologies of some of the eco-
nomic species of mosquitoes of the Pacific Northwest, report that in the
course of their work in separating eggs of Acdes vexans Meig. and Aedes ald-
richi Dyar and Knabd from the soil it has become apparent thot there-is enough
difference in the shape of the egzs of these two species to separate them by"
that character alone. The esgs of A. vexans are lonz and slender as compared
to those of A. aldrichi. Error in selecting eggs according to this character
has been reduced to approximately 1 percent.

Certain ants locate and: destroy screwvorm pupae undersround.--A. W.
Lindquist, of the Uvalde, Tex., laboratory, states: "The most interesting
finding during the month was that Eciton and Pheidole ants locate and destroy
pupae of Cochliomyia americana C. and P. underground. We have previously de-
termined that ants attack the larvae and evidence is now at hand that pupae
are also destroyed, Four tests were made in which C, americana. larvae were
dropped in boxes with screeh-wire bottoms. The boxes contained 3 inches of
ant-free soil and were buried 3 inches in the ground. By using these boxes
the soil could be removed and examined for the pupae. in one test, using 150
C. americana larvae, examination showed 33 percent of the pupae eaten into by
ants, 52 percent emerged, and 15 percent dead from an unknown couse. The
ants were apparently Pheidole. In another test in a different environment
all .150 pupae were eaten into by ants, apparently Eciton caecum,"

FOREIGN PLANT QUARANTINES

Entomolozical interceptions of interest.--Six living larvae of the
Mexican fruitfly (Anastrepha ludens Loew) were intercepted at Roma, Tex., on
September 16 in a quince in bazease from Mexico. Fifteen livinz larvae of
the melonfly (Dadus cucurbitae Coq. ) were taken at San Pedro, Calif., on
October 10 in two cucumbers in ship's stores from the Philinpines. Living
specimens of Anuravhis cynarae (Theo.) were intercepted at New York on April
9, Avril 29, and May 12 on zlobe artichokes in ‘ships! stores from Italy, Al-
geria, and France, respectively. lLivinz specimens of Aptinothrips rufus var.
stylifera Tryb. were taken at Bostan on August 15 on an ornamental grass in
baggase from Ireland. A living larva of the gelechiid Gelechia ericectella
Hbn. was found at Philadelphia on Aucust 4 among dry heather in the mail from
Scotland. A living larva of the weevil Cholus cattleyarum Barber was intocr—
cepted at San Francisco on October 27 in an orchid (Cattleya sp. ) in cargo
from Colombia. The coccid Formosaspis formosanus (Tak, ) arrived at Seattle,
Wash., on May 28 on bamboo leaves used as packing for tea in cargo.from China.
This scale insect was also taken at New York on June 18 on bamboo leaves in
carzo from China. The determinations by H. Morrison are from description
only. Living specimens of the thrips Frankliniella fortissima-Pr. were taken
at the airport at Browmsville, Tex., on May 6 on orchids in carzo from Mexico.
Two living larvee of the bean pod borer (Maruca testulalis Geyer) were col-
lected on October 1 in string beans in the field at Cidra, P. R. Living

LeGe

specimens of the cydnid Geotomus _pugmacus Dallas were intercepted at Hono-
lulu, Hawaii, on October 31, 1936, in the quarters of the Philippine Clipper @
arriving from the Philippines via Guam, Wake, and Midway Islands. The scale
insects Adiscodiaspis tamaricola Mal. and Parlatoria chinensis Marl, were
found «at “Washington, - D. C.,. on June 15, 1937, on tamarix cuttings in the

mail from India, H, Morrison reports as follovs: "We have no previous
ogee for the occurrence. of these coccids in India,”

Pruitt lies in old clothes.--During the course of inspection of hazgage ©
from Italy at Wow York on October {a trunk was opened and flies were im-
mediately seen crawling over some of the bundles in the trunk. These proved
to be newly emerged adults of the olive fruitfly (Dacus oleae Gmel.). Living
larvae and pupse of this fruitfly were also found in olives contained in the
trunk. In addition to the olive fruitfly, living larvae and pupae of the }
Mediterranean fruitfly (Ceratitis capitata Wied.) were picked out from among
the old clothes and from under the loose lining .of the trunk. Besides olives, J
the trunk contained quinces, oranges, pricklypears, and pomegranates.

Patholozical interceptions of interest. --Whet appeared to be Bacterium —
lachrymans Sm, & Bryan was intercepted et Boltimore on November 20 on pumpkin
from Straits Settlements. ‘Diplodia notelensis Ev, was found fruiting
abundantly on 2 grain of corn from Mexico on November 13 at Roma. Gloco-
sporium leguminum Cke. was intercepted for the first time on July 1, 1936,

on mesquite pods from Mexico, A funsus determined as probably G, ulmicolum
Miles, though not previously reported on seed, was intercepted on elm seed
from Canada on June 29 »t Buffalo. Helminthosporium allii Campanile was
found on garlic from England on November 2 at Port Arthur, 4H. torulosum .
(Syd. ) Raby first interception, was found on a shipment of “plantains 's from
Dominican Republic on November 11, 1935, at New York. Hetcrosporium allii
Ellis & Mart. was found on leek tops from England for the first time on
November 20 ot Philadelphia, Macrophoma hippoglossum Berl, & Vogl., first
interception, was found on Ruscus hypoglossum leaves from Italy on May 20
at New York. Marssonina juglandis (@ipere) Magnus, first intcreeption, was
found on walnut leaves from Italy on October 14 at New York. Puccinia car~ |
linae Jacky was intercepted at New York on November 8, 1935, on Carlina vul- |
garis from Germany. Pucciniastrum myrtilli (Schum. ) Arth. was intercepted |

on June 26 at New York on azalca . cuttings £: from Switzerland, Puccinia oxali-
dis was found on November 11, 1935, at New York on Oxalis latifolia leaves
mixed with parsley from et ores Revenelia sp. (cfr. R R. talpa (Long) Arth.),|
first interception of the genus, was intercepted in the mail on Cracca |
(Tephrosia) at the Taaseeciae House at Washington on January 13, 1936.

Sporonema strobilinum Desm. was intercepted on June 29 at New York on a ship-
ment of Picea excelsa cones from Sweden. During the Holland bulb-shipping |
scason, interceptions at the Inspection House at Washington included
Aphelenchus avenac Bastian on August 16 on Colchicum Autumn Queen (new host
genus for our interception Filles): Ditylenchus dipsaci (de Man) Filipjev on
Colchicum speciosum album and numerous interceptions on bulbous iris of
various kinds; Urocystis colchici (Schlecht) Rab. on several shipments of
Colchicum and Verticillium albomatrun Reinke nnd Herth. on Eremurus sp. (new
host for the intercention LARD

he &

Plant discases in Guam.--The first sct of plant disease specimens
collected in the field in Guam by R., G. Oakley reached Washington in excel-
lent condition and included Cercospora batatae Zimm. on sweetpotato; a leaf
spot determined as probably C,. citrullina Cke. on cantaloup; C. cucurbitae
E. & E. on cantaloup; Cercospora sp. on morning-glory; Phyllosticta colo—
casiophila Amy G. Weedon on taro; Phyllosticta dioscoreae Cooke on Dioscorea
Spe a aculeata or an alkicd species); and Physoderma zcae-maydis Shaw on
corn. ~ Tho last—-named fungus is one, of those on which the he corn-disense gquar-—
antine (No. 24) is based,

«

DOMESTIC PLANT QUARANTINES .

Corliss and Dopson assigned new field projects.--Effective January l,

‘J. M. Corliss will be placed in cherge of field supervision of the whitc-
fringed beetle project, with headquarters at Florala, Ala., and R. N. Dopson
will take charge of field supervision of transit inspection and enforconent
of white pine blister rust quarantine activities, with headquarters at
Chicago. Mr. Corliss! experience in organizing and supervising field con-
trol activities, in addition to his more recent responsibilities in super-
vising transit inspection, make him especially qualified, it is believed,

to organize the activities relating to the white-fringed beetle. Mr. Dopson
is also experienced in transit inspection and has been successful in co-
operative control work on phony peach and citrus canker diseases in the
Southern States.

White-frinsed beetle population.--Adult specimens of white-fringed
beetles have been taken from time to time in November from known infested
ar@s at a temperature near freezing, The finding of live beetles in ditches
indicates that these insects are still migrating. Soil sampling during the
month disclosed large numbers of larvae. Wo pupae have been found since
Ausust ike

New shipload of animal bones inspected,--Sixty tons of animal bones
arrived at New Orleans from packing houses in Argentina and Uruguay on No-
vember 17 and the 4 tons of debris at the bottom of the hold were made
available for inspection for white-fringed beetles. The bones were found
to be free from animal matter and dirt, having been treated with heat at
origin and piled to await shipment. The inspectors siftcd the debris in
the electric screening machine and examined it closely. No signs of the
white-frinzed beetle were found. The five inspectors of the white-fringed
beetle project were assisted by one inspector from Louisiana and two from
the Division of Foreign Plant Quarantines. Inspection at the New Orleans
docks where skeletons of the beetles were found in September resulted in
finding large numbers of larvae of this pest.

White-fringed beetle unimportant in Uruguay.--According to a recent
official statement from a sovernment agricultural official of Uruguay,
Naupactus leucoloma Boh., althouzh common in that country and observed to
feed in the larval stage on alfalfa roots and other crovs, has not been con=
sidered of economic inporta ance and thas therefore not been thoroughly studied
in that country.

effectively to inspect cotton trash, peanut hay, soil, bone trash, and
other material for the presence of adults or larvae of the white~frinzed
beetle, a shaker-machine has been devised which is operated by electricity
and: fitted with a hopper of 1/2-inch mesh and with three trays of 1/3
inch, 1/8 inch, and 1/16 inch mesh, respectively. The experiments have
consisted in placing a certain number of live beetles or larvae in dif-
ferent types of clean trash from noninfested arcas, running the machine at
2(5 r.Pem., and checking on the presence of these insects in the recovered
material. The 1/8-inch tray was found effective in screening gin trash.
Of the 25 bectles placed in the trash, 22 were recovered and 5 were found
clinging to the wire sereen. The machine also proved effective in screen-
ing bone debris, the 1/8-inch tray catching insects the size of N. leucoloma.

Activities relating to the white-fringed beetle.--Cooperative Federale
State inspection and scoutine for the white-fringed boetle has been made ;
in ports, cities, and various industrial points in 55 counties in 6 States.
Crop surveys have been made of approximately 19,000 acres of the infested
area in Florida and Alabama, including 4,000 acres of cultivated land. and
woodland. Many of the infested farms have been previously surveyed by the
A. A. A. and the data made’ available by county agents. Inspectors are pre-
paring detailed plats showing each kind of crop produced as a basis for
control activities in the coming ficld season.

Sweetpotato weevil control and cradication.--Survey work was con-
ducted in November in parts of Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas.
The freezing weather extending to the Gulf in certain localitics has
greatly reduced the host food supply of adult weevils. The ficlds are be-
ing .replowed, however, and all remaining vines removed and burned in order
to eliminate the possibility of Gevclopment of spring volunteers. Federal
and State insnectors are concentrating their efforts on clean-up measures,
assisting growers in sclecting weevil-free tubers for storage, trapping
weevils in clcoened seedbeds, supervising the harvesting and movement of
sweetpotatoes to city markets for consumption, inspecting stores and com-
mission houses, and turning baek or destroying shipments moved,from one
property to another in violation-of State quarantines. Numerous infesta-
tions now existing have been traced directly to tenant movement of in-
fested material from one property to another. The inspection force in No-
vember consisted of 17 Federal and 20 State employees. Weevils were found
in Conecuh County, Ala., and clean-up measures were promptly instituted
end surrounding properties surveyed. Trappings in old secdbeds in Mobile
County, Ala., resulted in taking 1,684 weevils with 1,595 tubers. In Bald-
win County 1,130 weevils were taken with 37% tubers. The activities for
tne season through November are shown below.

State), 2.0) OM Ee Ss. ae pee eae

:Inspectod: Infested 3}. Inspected 3) | Infested) my)
Alabama----- Sa 5) i 4 : 9g : IS)
Georgia----- ae alls) : yy : Olen ans 23
Louisisna---! 40 : New, Hes) NS) sol al team OLN
fississippi-: 13 Pa RES) ee Onan wees
Texas------ ~: - ; 5 Pista br SSaliy) i a) 13

Moiese eS) iO wes aace : Seon

-29-

Transit inspection.--Inspectors investigating the origin of Christmas
greens in the flover-market section of New York City have found on several
occasions that truckloads of such material had been broucht out of the
area infested with the gypsy moth without havinz been inspected. The
drivers were accordingly required to return their loads to the point of
origin and report to the local moth inspector. Such quarantine enforcement
has been accomplished through the assignment of zypsy moth inspectors, three
of whom are stationed at New York and two at. Boston, to assist in transit
inspection. Shipments of such materials are also being inspected at rail-
way points in 18 other cities throughout the East, Middle West, and South.

Mormon cricket conference.--Representatives of six States and of the
Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine in attendance at the Mormon
cricket conference at Pocatello, Idaho, on November 18 and 19 discussed pro~
posed cooperative control in 1938 and the administrative set-up for such a
project. A conservative estimate bdased on a defensive campaign placed the
areas to be treated at 454,500 acres in 10 States.

Citrus canker activities,.--Citrus canker work conducted in Texas in
November by 7 inspectors and 29 relief laborers consisted principally of
eradication of orange and grapefruit seedlings from Galveston and Brazoria
Counties and of reworking properties from whith Citrus trifoliata has been
eradicated. Nearly all such trees have been eradicated from Galveston County
and 75 percent of the property owners have given permission for the eradi-
cation of orange end grapefruit seedlings also.- State inspection was re-
sumed in Lotisiana on November 16.

Phony peach disease greatly reduced in 1937.--Inspection in VES) oe
all properties found infected with the phony peach disease in 1936, and
those adjacent, in the lightly infected States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indi-
ana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Car-
Olina, Tennessee, and Texas, showed a reduction of from 50 to 100 percent.
The intensive Federal-State inspection and scouting activities which have
been conducted throuzhout the known infected States and regions bordering
thereon, and extensive cradicrtion of worthless peach trees especially in
the outer rim of -the infected region and the vicinity of nurseries, have

yielded effective results in the control of this discase. A reduction of

the disease in the generally infectcd States has also taken place, one
county in Georgia showing a 75-percent reduction,

Phony peach and peach mosaic disease activitics.--Tree-removal work
was carricd on in November in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado,

i < T -ic6 ++) i
Georgia, New Mexico, Tennessee, end Texas, with an average of 421 relief
and 25 nonrelief employees. In California the labor force was recently in-
creased to 216 and the eradication work organized in San Diego and Los
Angeles Counties. It is also continucd in San Bernardino and Riverside
Counties.

aes

= ee

CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

Action of insecticides on insect tissues.-—-P. A. Woke, of the Belts-
ville, Md., laboratory, is investigating :the action of insecticides on the
epithelial cells end muscle fibers of -the alimentary.canal of. insects He
reports differences in action on the cells and tissues of the Anemone
canal of the southern armyvorm.. -As examples, the- epithelial cells of lar-
vae killed 60 to 80 hours after ingesting rotenone or. phenothiazine present
no abnormalitics definitely attributable to the action of the poisons,
whereas the ersenicals cause marked disintegration of the epithelial cells
end barium fluosilicate causes ‘the epithelial layer to be thrown into
characteristic folds, probably os a result. of an action of barium on the
unstriated muscle fibers. apa

Resistamce of different species.to organic compounds.-- Testing a
group of 100 organic compounds for possible toxicity, vy, Av M. Phillins, of
the Sanford, Fla., laboratory, reports that only 15 caused a BoM LAGH of
50 percent of. fourth-instar mosquito larvae ata concentration of 20 parts
per million, As a standard of comparison, one part per million of pheno-
thiazine will. kill approximately 60 percent of the larvae. Testing the
same group-of compounds, Ms. C. Swingle and James B. Gahan revort thot 37
of the compounds will: kill at least 90 percent of first-instear southern
armyworms and; 24 of: the. sompounds cause the same mortality of first-instar
cross-striped cabbage worns.. Furthermore, it was found that all compounds
toxic to mosquito larvae were toxic to the leaf-feeding species. Hither
the mosquito larvae are harder to kill than the leaf-feeding insects or the
habits and environment of the mosquito lervae decrease the effectiveness of
the compounds in some way. With this group of compounds, the southern erny-
worm was the least resi’stant. insect of the three.

INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS

New copper compounds as bunt fungicides.~-O. A. Nelson, of this
Division, and R. W. Leukel, of the Division of Cereal Crops and Diseases,
Bureau of Plant Industry, heave just published (U. S. Dept. Agr. Cir. 452)

the results of tests of certain copper compounds agninst bunt, or stinking
smut, of wheat (Tilletia tritici: (Bjork.) Wint. and 7. laevis Kuehn). Lab-
orabory, sreenhouse, and field studies were carried on over a period of 5’
years. Basic copper sulphste, high-grade copper carbonate, copper sulphate—
aniline, and possibly copper chloride-aniline, in general, were found to be
superior to other copper compounds from tne standpoint of cost, weneral ef-
fectiveness in bunt control, and freedom from certain objectionable charac-
teristics. ther copner compounds testcd were copper phosphate, copper
silicate, cupric oxide, cuprous oxide, cuprous sulnhide, copner fluoride,
copper diazoaminobenzéne compound, and copper pardeaminobenzene compound.

Calcium arsenate studied.--Mr. Nelson has completed a study of the
three component system calcium oxide-arsenic oxide-water from the point of
view of the phase rule. The existence of the following compounds has been
determined: CaHAsO, Ca;Ho(As0y)y.5H20, Caz (As0y)5.2H20, and 40a0.As205.xH50.

~3 le

The evidence presented for the existence of these compounds includes, in
addition to equilibrium data, information gained from microscopic and X-
ray examinations, The existence of the compound 10Ca0. 3.A820;,.4H50 was not
verified. All the data obtained pointed instead to a region ca solid solu-
tions between the conditions for tricalcium and tetracalcium arsenate.
These results are published in the Journal of the American Chomical Society
(59 :2216-2223), November 1937.

BEE CULTURE

Bees clean cells of disease.--A. P, Sturtevant, Laramie, Wyo,, reports
that each of five colonies, under observation to determine the behavior of
bees in the presence of American foulbrood, removed diseased remains, al-
though some did this more rapidly and completely than did others. In gen~
eral, the most rapid removal takes place within the area where the queen is
laying, removal being slow. and uncertain on the outside combs and outer
edges of the combs. Remains most freouently are removed before the scale
has become dry and hard, Many scales are removed completely within a 1- or

ewday period, whereas others are removed gradually or worked on intermittently,

the work being initiated at the outer or head end and proceeding slowly
toward the base of the cell. The portion of scale at the cell base seems to
be the most difficult to remove and may remain for some time or be neglected
entirely. Infrequently the lower cell wall is torn down in removel of the
scale, Occasionally an egg is deposited in a cell before the last diseased
material is removed, but later these usually are. removed. Numerous larvae
were found that at least reached the sealing stage in cells. which were
"cleaned out" by the bees, While-the further development of such larvae
without disease was observed, only a few such instances were recorded be-
cause of the seasonal restriction of brood rearing, Mr. Sturtevant further
states that the temporary storage of diseased honey in brood cells appar-
ently does not contaminnte them sufficiently to cause infection of brood
reared in them later.

Season's —_ gives some indication that resistance to American foul-
brood is heritable.--Of 16 line-bred queens reared this year from two bee
strains that showe ner signs of resistance during 1936 five, after being inoc-
ulated, snowed no disease during the season of 1937, according to Mr.
Sturtevant. . Of 17 crossebred queens representing crosses between the
foregoing and 2 additional strains, all developed disease. Seven of these
were killed at the end of the season. because of the high degree of infec-
tion. On the whole, the line<bred queens showed to better advantage than >
the cross»bred,

a Re)

Sunersedure of packaze ens hizher in second year than in first.--
C. L. Farrar, Larmaie, carlier reported that of 606 package queens cbsorved
in the supersedure studies during 1936, and for which data were available,
practically 9 percent were lost oy supersedure. He now reports that, of the
best 1936 package queens still in-colonies on May 1, 1937, approximately 50
percent were replaced during the summer and part of the survivors were of
poor quality by the close of the season.

nize

Two-queen colonies surpass single-queen colonies.--John D. Hitchcock
and H. J. States, Jr., Laramie, report that eight two-queen experimental
colonies produced an average of 85,/ pounds more honey and had 80 percent
more pollen stores at the end of the season than was true of nine single-
queen experimental colonies. :
Chemical anaylsis shows significant difference between worker and
gqueen,.--Warren Whitcomb, Jr., Baton Rouge, La., in commenting on the chemi-
cal determinations made on queen and worker by R. M. Melampy, also ef the!
Baton Rouge laboratory, states that the most significant difference between
the two forms lies in their respective nitrogen content. He suggests that
the retarded development of the worker is due in part either to a qualita-
tive or to a quantitative deficiency,*or both, #n the amino acids of the lar-
val diet. He also states that fat is synthesized and apparently utilized
during the period of organ formation, as the adult worker and queen contain
less. fatty material than is preeons) at that period.

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF ee

Second record of-a European moth found in United States.--A single male

moth reared from larvae boring in the bark of white pine at Hartsdale, Ne Weiy
was received from George P. Engelhardt. The moth was determined by Carl
Heinrich as Laspeyresia coniferana Ratz. This is:'the second American speci-
men of this European species to be received, The first specimen was recorded
in the News Letter for April 1935. Apperently the species is well established
in Westchester County. . “ga

Acquisition of ‘certain little-known: Diptera.--Through a recent exchange
with Nethan Banks, of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass.,
C. T. Greene obtained thé larvae, pupee, and adults of Vermileo comstockil
Wheelor, V. vermileo Degeer, V, tibialis var. dowi Wheeler, and Lampromyia
canariensis Wheeler, all belonging in 1 the family Raven onnenie. The adults of
V. tibialis var. ‘dowl and the larvae and pupae of all the above forms are new
to the National Collection. ‘The larvee form conelike pits in the dust in
which they ensnare their prey, much as the larvae of certain ant lions do,

An interesting ant interception,--T. S. Uyeda, of Honolulu, Hawaii,
recently found a queen and & approximately a eee workers of a Japanese ant,
determined by M. R. Smith as Euponera (Brachyponera) solitaria (F. Smith), in
a shipment of flowering cherry, Prunus sp., originating in Japan (F. P. Q.,
Honolulu No, 10418). The species, however, is already established in the —
United States, having been found for the first time by H. T. Vanderford in 1932
in a-number of localities in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. It is
probable that the ant may have been introduced into these places by shipments
of flowering Prunus prior to the time of the establishment of the forcign plant
quarantine inspection service, :

Another European leafhopper_in the United Strtes.--Specimens of a leafhop—
per collected in abundance in the Pacific Northwest in 1935 have been. eee
by P. W. Oman as a European species, Athysanus schenki Kirschbaum, not previously
reported from Americe, A study of saan aes available in collections reveals the
following American records for the species: Idaho: Moscow, Sept. 30, 1927 (Shull)
Moscow, Oct. 21, 1929 (Gillett); Moscow Wa Ge Sept. 14, 1931 (Gillett); Coeer
d'Alene, July 9, 1935 (Oman); Cataldo, July 9, 1935 (Oman). Washington: Ritz—
ville, sealer §, 1935 (Oman); south of Spokane, July 9, 1935 (Oman). Oregon: Mt.
Hood (post Ae July 3h 1935 (Oman).

- a A J a Se :
mRmEeEowrVvVeo

“e« FEB5 1938 ¥
7. 8, Departusent of Ageicultare

(yn UNITED STATES

TURE

BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

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we othe ete nity har rag ncaa ert aie Ml eng, ;
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MME REP INE EN DIY

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<r ole

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

FOR DECEMBER 1937
lol. Vy No. 2 : (Not for publication)’ ° ‘February 1, 1938

: * W. HE. LEER ei a

Wayne E. Leer, associate pathologist and Bureau representative in
sharge of the barberry-eradication program in Indiana, died at the Home
jospital: in Lafayette, Ind., on January 2, 1938, following an illness of
several weeks! duration. His wife, Elizabeth P. Leer, and two daughters,
Jean Frances and Virginia Anne, survive hin.

Mr. Leer was born at Fairmount, Ind., on June 5, 1897. In 1919 he re-
seived the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Purdue Univer -
sity and in 1923 he received the MN. S. degree from the University of Illinois.
Since then he has held the position of State leader of barbe rry eradication
in Indiana, with headquarters at Purdue University.

Mr, Leer was a member of Epsilon Sigma -Phi, an honorary fraternity of
sericultural extension workers, also of Alpha Zeta, Sigma Delta Chi, and
Kappa Delta Pi fraternities..

FRUIT INSSCT INVESTIGATIONS

Headquarters for peach-orchard-insect survey moved.--The headquarters
for the survey of insects in peach orchards in ‘connection with the peach
mosaic problem were moved, effective December 1, from Riverside, Calif., to
san Bernardino, Calif., e were consolidated with the suvoffice of the Divi-
sion of Domestic Plant Quarantines at that point. L. D. Christenson is in
charge of the survey work and is assisted by Laurence Jones,

Two generations o f pee ach borer in Gcorgie.--0. I, Snapp and J.

thomson, Jr., Fort Valley, Ga., report that “during the 1937 season they
reared second—generation adults of ee peach borer in peach trees under nor-
mal orchard conditions. The number reared was small in comparison to the
total borer population. .

Succession of insects in raisins.--A stack of 12 tons of Thompson Seed-
less raisins of the 1936 crop was sampled by H. C. Donohoe, of the Fresno,
Calif., laboratory, at intervals at: weeks, Ele ee March 24 and ending
October 4. ‘The following table presents a summary of succession of all species

and all stages of insects found.

‘

aleyn

: Infestation. per’ ton
:RaisiniIndian-: Saw-o 3 ; Mase yi
Date : moth : meal :toothed:Crypt-. ~~" 3Cephal= sincluding: Total

So

1937 : :; moth t-grain :ophagus :Dermes-: onomia : Micro- : (all
: g + beetlezinsoitus 3: tidae’ starsalis: bracon : species)
é SLB OR VL BOO Nt Wy COOmi Onn: Onyine Oa saSo
feta 650s) 300) 3, 61500: 5501) ee OS Ol ais Og a0) -2Xt0)
Bagee.) 350s | 700 22ls,050s., 15000 hs Oh Oo) shy) GO! Me eas)
GinG=3))) 200%2.200 21775.150s OA Onis OVW: Soy MG) ifeto}- (efoto)
T/d4-3; 150: 700 : 79,900: Ol) PbO 916.350) Wisi MOON ene Ow
Cymi2a se 250s) 650) 1s) CHL GOO! 10 500, 31,000 Wiis 50) ig) ere 5e
Oy e——) | 35012,.000 4) 15,1008 Os 4800) 38 250)5 12 NOOM i EeOneOd
10/4-: 100:2,550 : 6,650: Ohi ti e5O 7s (B50) 3 bOr Nain aOmLE

Of especial interest are the dominance of the saw-toothed grain beetle;
the appearance of Cephalonomia tarsalis Ashm., a parasite of its larvae, in |
the samples taken in July and later; the disappearance of Cryptophagus insoi- ©
tus Casey after the May sampling date; the appearance of dermestids in July;
and the typical dwindling of the raisin moth population during the year fol-
lowing harvest. The table: supports other evidence which points to the in-
ability of the Indian-meal moth’ to become abundant in the presence of an in-
festation of the saw-toothed grain beetle.

Organisms of milky diseases of Japanese beetle larvae viable after 25
months in soil.--In October 1935 the late G. F. White buried samples of soil
contaminated with organisms of the milky diseases of Japanese beetle larvae
in outdoor plots. The plots throughout this period have been protected so.
as to prevent any Japanese beetle larvae from being in the plots. Recently
R. T. White and S. R. Dutky, of the Moorestown, N, J., laboratory, have
tested these soil samples on healthy larvae, to determine whether the dis-—
ease organisms are still viable, The results of the tests show that the
disease organisms are still viable, after 25 months, both types of the dis-
ease, types A and B, developing in healthy grubs feeding in the soil samples.

Normal depth of soil population of Japanese beetle.--1, M. Hawley and
T. N. Dobbins, Mocrestown, have completed a summary of data on the depth of
the soill-inhabiting stages of the Japanese beetle in turf in the older in-
fested New Jersoy-Pennsylvania area. Records are available on a total of ©
213,037 individuals over the period from 1925 to 1935. Over 90 percent of
the larvae normally hibernate at depths of from 2 to 6 inches, with the
greatest number in the 2- to 4-inch layer of soil, During 5 of the years
covered by the surveys, no larvae were found below & inches, whereas in ‘the
other 5 years only 56 larvae were found as deep as the 8- to 10-inch layer
of soil. The data given apply only to larvae in turf. In cultivated fields,
where the soil is of a looser texture and where soil temperature and moisture
conditions are somewhat different, the larvae often move to greater depths.

Overwintering strawberry leaf roller a reservoir for hibernating para-
site.--For a nunber of years large quantities of material of Macrocentrus

ancylivorus Rohw. for distributicn in colonization of the oriental fruit noth
parasite have been obtained from strawberry leaf roller in the immediate

—3-

vicinity of Moorestovmm, N. J. The great reduction of strawberry acreage
in that vicinity has made it desirable to look. elsewhere for supplies of
leaf roller parasitized by Macrocentrus. H. W, Allen and W. P. Yetter, Jr.,
of the Moorestown, N. J., laboratory, have recently complctec a survey ex-
tending fror: Norfolk, Va., to Moorestowm, N. J. It has been found that 1
stravberry leaf roller occurs in varying degrees of abundance at all points
between these two locations in which cultivated strawberries are grovm, It
has also been found that M. ancylivorus occurs in fair abundance in the
overwintering strawberry leaf roller at most of the localities sampled. At
Moorestown strawberry fields are sparse, the. overwintering leaf roller is
moderately abundont, and the overwintering Ma Macrocentrus is unusually abundant,
parasitiging nore tien 60 percent of the larvae in sone fields. Strawoerry
leaf rollers are very abundant and strawberry acreage extensive about Bridge-
ville, Del., and the parasitization by Macrocentrus is about 20 percent.
The strawberry leaf roller infestation from Pocomoke to Cape Charles is fron
moderate to scarce, although the strawberry fields are abundant and the Mac-
rocentrus parasitization at places is in excess of 50 percent. At Norfolk,
Va., the leaf roller is scarce, but parasitization by Macrocentrus is about
15 percent.

MEXICAN FRUITYLY CONTROL

Mexican fruitfly caught in lower Rio Grande Valley.--Inclement weather

throughout most of December seriously interfered with ficld activities on
the Mexican fruitfly project. In spite of bad working conditions, however,
the month's trap catch was one of the highest on record. Anastrepha ludens
Loew. was taken for the first time since July, 11 of this species having
been trapped in the groves and brush. The population of Anastrepha serpen-
tina Wied. dininished only slightly from the high nark of last month, and
Anastrepha sp. "Y" increased fro: 12 in November to 106 during this period,
To date none of the adult A. ludens trapped have been gravid nor have any
larvae been found in the fruit. Fruit shipments for the season total ap-
proxinately 7,650 equivalent carloads by rail, truck, and steamer. The nun-
bers and species of fruitflies identified during December are shown in the
following table

pecies ; Texas : Mexico
Acults wo Nurbe Tr Number
A, ludens-----~----~------------ H i, Ss 6)
A, serpentina-------------------- : BOS. : it
A, sp, "L"---------~------------- 3 Lt us 0
A. sp, "X!"---------------------. -3 a eas 1
hy aly Wl St ee Es a ee ee 106 : 3
A. sp, "Cll-------~---~----------- - Care 0
A. sp, "Z"-----------------~----- : a BS 0
A, sp. "nesp,''------------------- : 5 yan )
A. F pollens Coq-----~------------- : SPST 13
Miscellaneous-------------------- en eee yy
a i18 VS Si eee apes ie ae ar Soir, oe |
Leorvae - : Cae hy
A. serpentina-—--—------_._-_-___ : Of "OD nh
Rhagoletis sp-------------- _—----- : Omens Bit
ae Aetna 5 SSS SSS SS
Total-------------------------- . 0 86

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ct
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ct
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i
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i
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——_,_—_—__—_-
Fron narket fruit.

-4.

JAPANESE BEETLE CONTROL

Fall shipping seascn nears end.--Inspectors in the Philedelphia, Pa.,
district reported that fewer plants were certified far shipment to points
cutside the regulated area this month than last, and that the peak months
for the year 1937 were April and November, over 14 million plants having .
been shipped during each of these months. ; ay

Preparations for spring shipping season.--Many establishnents are
digging and storing plant stock intended for shipment in the spring. Pre-
uises of classified.dealers were closely checked: for the presence of un-
certified stock which had been received but not reported as required. In
order to insure severol carloads: of stock, received by a large establish-
ment at Princess Anne, Md., fron States outside the area, against possible
infestation, a certified storage shed was provided by erecting a 10-foot
partition of solid boards in a large general storage shed located on the. -
prenises, thus separating certified and uncertified material. se

More quarantine violators successfully prosecuted.--Seven violstors
of the Japanese beetle quarantine regulations were successfully prosecuted
in December, All but one of the violators convicted this month were anong
those caught with uncertified farm products by the inspector stationed at
the pudlic market in Rochester, N. Y¥., last summer, One of these who hed
pleaded not guilty at the special session of the district court called last
month at Rochester changed his plea to guilty and was ordered to pay a fine
of $25, Fines of $25 each were also paid by four viclators resicent in New
Jersey who pleaded guilty to identical charges in Federal Court held at
Camden, N. J. Similar disposition was made of a single case at. Buffalo,

N. Y, Misuse of Japanese beetle certificates on two shipments of ivy des—
tined to Florida was the charge to which the sixth violator pleaded guilty
in the district court session held in New York City. <A fine of $50 on each
of the two counts was remitted by the court in view of the defendant's
clear record over a pericc of many years,

New strawberry plant treatnhent authorigzed,--Successful experinents
conducted since early last spring with methyl bromide as a funigant for
strawberry plants haveled to the authorization of this treatment by the Bur-
eau.e A large nursery in Salisbury, Nc., is now consulting with representa-
tives of this Divisian concerning the erection of a suitable funigation
shed for such treatments. fhe newly authorigec treatment is expected to
save mich lrbor without impairing the quality of the plants. —

Quarentine hearing will not be called.--From a study of the data ob-
tained curing the last trapping season, it appears that only local extensions
of the regulated area will be necessary at this tine. In lieu of a quaran-
tine hearing, which will not be necessary this year, the Bureau has distribu-
ted a statement which summarizes the results of the season's trapping in
nonregulated areas, Accompanying the statement is a detailed trapping re-
port by States, including comparative data, where available, of beetle
catches in this and previous seasons. {

-5-

Cold weather pernits scouting and clear-cutting in swampy areas.--New
Jersey Dutch eln disease scouts took advantase of the frozen swamps to scout
a number of such areas, which’ are practically inaccessible when not frozen
over, Clear-cutting work in the four major swamp areas in New Jersey nade
rapid progress. Swanups were sufficiently frozen to permit tractor units to
work with little interruption for several weeks. In a single work week of
Uy Gays, a total of 16,619 trees wore removed in these areas, Of this nun-
ber 11,487 were removed from the 5 work sites in Morris County.

Renoval of sickly and inaccessible trees.--Hlis in infected areas
cifficult to scout and all dead and dying trees in the major infected work
area are being rapidly elininated. In areas scheduled for clear-cutting,
approxinately 845,000 elms were renoved this year, as compared with less
than half that number last year. Over half a million dead and dying trees
in the major infected area were also removed in 1937. At the end of the
year approxinately 375,000 trees tagzed for removal remained standing. . This
coO:npares with approxinatcly 634,000 trees tagced DT standing at the beginning
of the year. During the 12 nonths ended December 31, 1935/7, DI scouts tagsed
approxinately 334,000 trees for removal, The total nunber of trees removed.
in clear-cutting, eradication, and sanitation activities was approxinately
1,550,000 in 1937, as compared with approxinately 1,270,000 removed in 1936.
To December 31, 1937, 2 grand total of 3,833,45U trees have been removed in
all activities. By far the largest number of these, 2,298,504, were removed
in the New Jersey infected area,

Logs confirned as Graphium infected.--During the first week of the
nonth confirmation was reported of specinens ovtained from one of a group
of logs located on the grounds of the Rockland State Hospital, N. Y. The
logs had been cut from a nearby point on the sane property,

Inspection of Christmas trees and greenery completed.--Although final
reports of Christuas-tree and greenery-inspections in the New England States
have not yet been compilec, it is evident that the wholesale market for this
material was as s00d if not better than last year. The quality of the trees,
however, was rather poor. Recutting over a period of years in the sane lo-
calities of the lightly infested gypsy moth areas, to which cutting is re-
stricted, has resulted in a scarcity of the best grades of trees.. Thinning
of needles observed on treas offered for inspecticn in the Maine areas was
attributed by inspectors to feeding by the Eurcpean spruce sawfly. An ap-
preciablo increase was noted in the quantity of naterinl intended for nanu-
facture into Christmas wreaths and decorative pieces requiring inspection,
Many tons of fir balsam boughs, later cut into small pieccs for use in the
manufacture of Christnas wreaths, required piece-by-piece inspection vdecause
of increased gypsy sioth infestation conditions throughout the regulated area.
In some instances inspectors found balsam boughs so heavily infested that
they denied certification and advised the ovmer to ccllect other boughs else-
where. Increased infestation in the fir balsan areas of Maine is making it
more difficult each year to properly inspect such wreath matcrial and to
certify that the completed wreaths do not include uninspectecd material.

Historic granite is inspected.--A piece of granite obtained fron the
premises of the birthplace of John Greenleaf Whittier, at Haverhill, Mass.,

pa

required eypsy noth inspection and certification for shipment to Battle
Creek, Mich. The granite was shipped by the Haverhill Historical Society
and is to be placed on a historic nonunent.

FOREST INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Mininun-air temperatures in eastern Oregon forests.--J. M. Whiteside
reports that on December 4, 1937, the first readings were taken in an ex-
periment being conducted by the Portland, Oreg., laboratory, to determine
the variation in the minimum air temperatures over a large area of ponde-
rosa pine on relatively flat terrain. The: spread in the temperatures ‘re-
corded by 50 thermometers placed in pairs at randcm over an area of 8 town-
ships on the Deschutes National Yorest, Oreg., was qe (10° to 22°R.), with

the elevation ranging fron 4,500 to 5,300 feet over the 800-foot area, How-
ever, owing to local conditions, the lowest temperature was recorded at ~
5,000 feet and the highest minimum at 5,300 feet. When corpared with
similar readings taken in 1936 gn the Ochoco Nationel Forest, Oreg., a con-
siderable difference is noted. On November 2, 1936, a spread of 18°
(-2° to 16° T.) was recorded, but with an elevational difference (3,600 to
5,300 feet) over the 2,200-foot area. Here the lowest temperature occurred
at 4,400 feet and the hizhest mininmun at 4,800 fect. It is evident fron
these observations that local differences in topography are potent factors
in influencing the air temperatures that exist at any given point during
periods of cold weather. This seems to be true on both broken and fla
forested areas. a ey

~ Locust borer infestation in Spokane, Wash.--J. ©. Evenden, of the
Cocur a@tAlene, Idaho, laboratory, reports that the locust borer infestation
in Spokane, which was first recorded in 1941, has increased in severity dur-
ing the last few years, and that-~trecs on a much larger area are now being
attacked, City officials and officers of the Soil Conservation Service
are showing interest in this situation and plans are being formulated for
the institution of control in the spring of 1938. ‘
'

Forest tent caterpillar decreased in Northeast,--J. V. Schaffner, Jr.,
of the New Haven, Conn., laboratory, reports that collections of egg clus-
ters of the forest tent caterpillar were made between November 30 and De-
cenber 3 in 14 localities in Vermont and 1 in Massachusetts to obtain data
on the parasitization of the eggs and also on the present population. The
data obtained indicate that the infestation has decreased at six pcints
and increased at three, where collections were made in doth 1936 and 1937.
A general decrease was anticipated, owing to the epidemics of disease of
the caterpillsrs noted last suriricr, which materially cut down the extent
of defoliation throughout the entire area, The egs-cluster records indi-
cate, however, that this pest is still a potential menace to the sugar or-
chards and hardwood forests in many lccalities and, in general, that the
outbreak is not yet under control. In at least five sugar orcharcs heavy
cutting operaticns of dead and severely weakened trees were noted, Con-
plete mortality resulting from 1 to 3 consecutive years! defcliation is
not always the case, but very often the entire center cf the crown succumbs.

a

Second recovery of introduced parasito.--P, B. Dowden and P. A. Berry,
New Haven, report that examinations of the birch leaf-mining sawfly (Phyllo-

toma nemorata Fall. ) material collected at Bustis, Maine, revealed the
presence of several larvac of the introduced parasite Phanomeris phyllo-
tomae Muesebeck, Adults have not yet been reared,. but the larvae are very
distinctive. This is the second recovery of this parasite in the United
States, it having been already. obtained from host material collected at Bar
Harbor, Maine.

Tests with spreading agents.--S. F,. Potts, New Haven, reports that
investigations carried on during the last: few. years on the action on stonach-
poison residues of nine differeht spreading agents showed that the more pop-
ular spreaders reduced the initial insecticide deposit: by as much as 50 per-
cent in sore instances. Most of these spreaders increased the loss caused
by weathering. In the arsenicals and bordeaux mixture the copper and ar-.
senic were rendered water-soluble by the spreading and wetting agents, thus
causing much more injury to the plant than when these agents were onitted.
Observations on the action of spreaders on contact insecticides shcwed that
in some instances. the effectiveness of the insecticide was increased,
whereas in others it was reduced.

Transmission of Dutch elm disease by bark beetles.-~W. D. Buchanan,
of the Morristown, N. J., laboretory,. reports on experinents conducted in
cooperation with C. S. Moses, of the Division of Forest Pathology, Bureau
of Plant Industry. In-these experinents scone small elm trees were exposed
to attack by adults of Scolytus nultistriatus Marsh., and others to attack
by adults of Hylurgopinus rufipes Sich. The beetles of both species were
@lven equal chances cf becoming contaminated with the Dutch elm disease
fungus (Ceratostonella ulni (Schwarz) Buisman) before they were confined on
the trees. The trees were later cut down, examined, and cultured to as—
certain whether they had become infected with C. ulmi, Part of the trees
were fed on by beetles that were confined to specific snots on the trunks
in gelatine capsules. The other trees were fed on by beetles liberated in
a @run or cheesecloth cylinder that ccvered the entire tree. The results
are as follows: C. ulmi was isolatec fron 7 of 10 trees (70%) fed on by
S. multistriatus confined in capsules; C. ulmi was isolated from 4 of 9 trees
rents) fed on by EH, ruripes confined in capsules; C. ulmi was isolated fron
8 of 19 trees (42%) fed on by S. multistriatus which fed at large on the
trees; C, ulmi was isolated from 5 of 13 trees (38%) fed on by H. rufipes
that fed at large on the trces; C. ulmi was not isolated from 16 trees fed
on by beetles not contatiinated with C. ulni.

GYPSY ii0TH AND BROWN-TAIL MOTH CONTROL

gypsy moth force reduced.--Tho services of approxinately 50

after the completion of the working period for Decenber, owing to a reduc-
tion in 7. P. Ae funds available for gypsy noth work during the 6—nonth
period beginning January 1, 1938.

.

ee

ems

a

-8-

eee withdrawn from woods during deer-hunting season,--Gypsy moth

work was interrupted for varying periods of time during December in many
sections of the infested areas by the opening of the deer-hunting season

in the various States. Orews were withdrawn from woodland areas and em- ~
ployed in scouting open country or in residential areas for the duration of
the open seasons, after which they were returned to their former locations,
These precautions prevented injury by stray bullets to any member of eee
Federal gypsy moth forces.

Personal injury record is low despite treacherous field conditions,.--
All of the territory where Federal W. P. A. gypsy moth work is being per-

formed is now covered with snow ranging in depth from a few inches in the
lowlands to 2 feet on the higher elevations. Despite these adverse con-
ditions, there have been relatively few cases of personal injury to the
workers while performing their official duties in the field. The low in-
jury record is largely attributable to the experience of the workers, most
of whom have been employed on this type of work for a considerable period
of time. Scouting work was suspended for 2 or 3 days in the middle of the
month over most of the territory, when a severe ice storm coated the trees
and highways.

4

' Two towns in eastern Maine found to be lightly infested by the gypsy
moth.--Check-up’' work: in Washington County, Maine, was completed about the

middle of December, The work was done in eight townships, only two of
which were found to be infested. Two infestations totaling 28 egg clusters
were found in Princeton, and 2 colonies of 1 egg cluster each were located
in Calais, The Canadian Govérnment is continuing similar work near infes-
tations found last year on the east Side of the St. Croix River, in St.
Stephen and St, Andrews, which are located across the river from Calais.

Large cherry trees endangered by the gypsy moth.--Harly in December

the agent in charge of gypsy moth scouting, selective thinning, and treat-
ment work in Hampshire County, Mass., reported an infestation in cherry
growth in Goshen, The trees, ranging from 1 to 2s feet in diameter, are
valued highly fer furniture ee and rarely grow to such large size,

Work in Vermont to be confined to mountainous sections during the re-
mainder of the fiscal year.--With the completion of work in Addison County,
Vt., at the end of December, gypsy moth scouting work planned for that
State during the remainder of the fiscal year will be confined to towns
along the Green Mountain Range, where a large percentage of the area is
heavily wooded. ;

New flood=control reservoir isolates a section where gypsy moth work

isin progress.--The flood-control reservoir under construction on the Little

River, an important tributary of the Winooski River in northern Vermont, was
partially filled with water during a period of heavy rainfell early in See

cember. The impounded water flooded several of the old abandoned roads lead-

ing to mountainous areas in the northeastern part of the town of Waterbury,
where scouting is now in progress, The cost of scouting this section of

Waterbury will be materially increased unless the water recedes sufficiently

ee

-9-

in the near future so that the old ronds can be used in transporting the
men to and fron their work,

Two infestations apparently eradicated.--A gypsy moth infestation of

approximately 100 egg clusters was discovered in Clinton, Wayne County,
Pa., and another colony of 325 egg clusters was found in the adjoining
township of Dyberry during the fiscal year 1937. Both townships are just
outside of the Pennsylvania quarantined area. Intensive exterminative ;
measures applied at these colonies have evidently bcen entirely successful.

Heavy infestations in Pennsylvania are concentrated in four adjoining
townships,--From July 1 to December 1, 1937, approxinately 135,000 acres
of woodland and open country have been scouted in Pennsylvania, and over
132,000 gypsy noth egg clusters have been destroyed. More than 90 percent
of the egg clusters found were in the four townships of Spring Brook, Jen-
kins, Pittston, and Plains, all located within the most heavily infested
area, Only two infestations have been found cutside of the arca under quar-
antine. One is barely outside of the quarantined area near the Coolbaugh-
Paradise line, and the other is located a few niles northeast of the quar-
antined area, in the township of Damascus.

New infestation discovered by former gypsy noth employee.--A forner

W. P. A. Gypsy moth employee discovered a new infestation while hunting in

a wooded area near Lake Harmony in Kidder Township, Carbon County, in the
southern part of the Pennsylvania quarantined area, He reported his find

to the supervisory employee in charge of gypsy moth work in a nearby section.
The report was confirmed when a hurried examination of the area by the

agent disclosed approximately 10 new gypsy moth egg clusters. The wooded
area within which the infestation was found was scheduled for scouting later
in the season, and the infestation wovld undoubtedly have been discovered

at that time. This, however, does not detract from the value to the eradi-
cation campaign of the continued interest in the work which is maintained
by former gypsy noth workers, This is the third occasion this year, in the
Pennsylvania area, where former employees have located and promptly re-
ported infestations found by them while hunting or working.

Heavy infestation threatens barrier zone.--A gypsy moth infestation
estinated at from 2,000 to 3,000 new egg clusters per acre , and which is

scattered over several hundred acres, exists in Granby, Hartford Courty,
Conn, This is the heaviest infestation over an extended area that has ever
been observed by the C, C. C. personnel in that State. The forest growth
in this area consists partly of white oak and gray birch and certain sec-
tions are suitable for silvicultural treatment.

Silvicultural treatment controls scriovs gypsy noth colony. --Coordina-
tion of silvicultural nethods and gypsy moth treatment work by C. C. C. en-

rollees has been practiced at a heavy infestation in Shelburne, Mass, Forty
large white oaks and 7 old apple trees growing anong pines over an area of
approximately 4 acres on a high elevation were destroyed. A total of 19,065
new egg clusters, or an avern.e of 4,766 per acre, were creosoted on these
trees, The cutting of the trees removed a serious source of windspread of

j
]

SAMO

small caterpillars, and left a practically pure stand of white pine which
should require no further treatment for the gypsy moth,

PLANT DISEASE CONTROL
_ Nursery inspection and identification.--During the last summer and
fall 46 eastern and midwestern nurseries planning interstate shipment of
immune species of Berberis and Mahonia, other than Berberis thunbergii, re-
quésted the inspection required before permits are granted. A total of ap-
proxinetely 10,760 acres of nursery stock was inspected, Thirty-three nur-
series fulfilled the requirements, of Quarantine No. 38° (revised) and were

granted permits by the Division of Domestic Plant Quarantines; 9 failed to. |:

qualify, and U'ara pending... During uae inspections 2 1870 susceptible bar-=
berry, plants were. Gestre yes

Farners assist in barberr ry eradication in Bene Syiveniae ee 1937

stem rust spread to virtually all ficlds of oats and wheat in an area of
approximately 150 square niles: in eastern Zrie County and 200 square miles
in western Bradford County, Pa. Some fields of grain within these areas
were completely ruined by rust and many of those that were harvested yielded

only from 5 to 20 bushels per acre, with the weight per bushel ranging fron .

le to 20 pounds. Practically every farn within these arcas was found to be.
infested with barberry bushes, which were definitely established as the
principal source of inoculum, As a result of these lossés, numerous letters
were received from farmers requesting aid in barberry eradication, As
emergency funds were not available for further expansion of crew work in
Pennsylvania, local meetings of farners were arranged through the county .
agent and a procedure was outlined, which they might follow in effectively
applying their own efforts toward control. L. K. Wright, in charge of bar-

berry eradication in Pennsylvania, st-tes that, when they are given assist- -

ance in organizing the work, the farmers are extremely cautious to locate
and properly eradicate all bushes and seedlings. As a result of two co-
operative programs, 65,891 bushes and more than 126,000 seedlings have been
destroyed on 48 different properties in Bradford County. In Erie County

4 square niles of territory have been surveyed and 31,000 bushes and 85,000
seedlings have been destroyed on & properties. ;

Portable wooden mess halls for blister rust control camps.--In the In-
land Empire all Ribes-eradication work is perforned by crews quartered in
temporary camps. Until 2. years ago. little attention was’given to the prob-
len of makin:; mess halls fly-proof; however, in 1935 this part of camp sani-
tation began to assume nore importance because of the larger camps and the

great arses of nen working in the forests. To solve the problem of fly—
proofing the ness halls it was decided to construct sectional wooden units
that could be easily transported, assembled, and disnantled for use in
other locations. Highty of these wooden ‘sectional mess halls were con-
structed during the spring of 1936. After two seasons of use these units
ere still. in good condition, even though sone of then have been taken down
and reassembled five tines. .- ..-

* < ‘

Nils

Autogiro used in apping white pine areas.--In connection with blister
rust control activities’ in Monrce County, Pa., an experiment was recently
conducted to determine the practicability of mapping white pine areas fron
an autogiro. Using U. S..G..S. sheets, or enlargements of such maps, the
Observer indicated the location of.the pine areas and classified them »ccord-
ing to the amount and size of the pine stocking. The other sections were
merely, shaded in, to denote that they did net contain sufficient pine to
justify protection measures, Although the observer had no previous experi-
ence in flyins, he was’ able in 22 hours and 40 ninutes of actual mapping
tine tc dctermine and record conditions on 396,666 acros, or 17,551 acros
per hour. The exanination of such a large area in the time indicated was
possible, owing to the fact that over 95 percent of the area coulc be
covered rapidly because of the lack of white pine. The survey showed that
Monroe County contains about 19,200 acres of white pine worth protecting,
nostly natural ares It would have taken a ground crew cf four men sev-
eral months to have accomplished the sane results.

Blister rust control operations in sugar pine region of California.-—
During the field season of 1937 vdlister rust control operations we were con-
ducted in California on four national forest control units--the Plumas, 3l-
Corado, Stanislaus, and Sierra National Forests--and in-Oregon on the aosne
River National Forest. “ith the closing down of field operations esrly in
November the equipment was placed in the warehouses and one winter camp
was Opened at a lower eltitude on the Sierra National Forest, neur Mariposa,
Calif. All work done in this region Guring 1957 was concucted uncer the
technical supervision of the Bureau ov Entomology anc Plent Quorantine and
was performed in cooperation with the U. S. Forest Service in the field.
Two C. C. C. camps, one on the Eldorado National Forest and the other on
the Plumas National Forest, engaged in Ribes_eradication work during the
summer. The following table shows the results of the ccntrol work in Cali-
fornia and Oregon during the year, together with aversses for man-days and
for Ribes bushes eradicated on a per-acre basis. Of the total acreage
worked, 43 percent was initial and the remainder was reeradicotion of pre-
viously worked areas.

; Total : Total : Total - Per acre--
Operation ‘area ). i» an—..$,Ribes...:F Nan- © face Sera
ns so worked) —§ days... pulled ss») days. 4 shubes
s seres : Number : Number): Nuriver. : Number
BoPeOnn tes, / : : < : :
Plunas 2/__-____ Cia (kes OTG sy eGenRE aol eels 117
f@ldoreado——-—--——- SL, 715 te Cl 613, 220 365,054: We euy fs 203
Stanislaus------ - 26,547, §. 16 »697 £55 Miles ee aS ete oe 8 224
45 tt e 52 iS

at Scam S : :
1/th accition, 157 man-cays were spent by the bulldozer crew clearing

25 acres of willow and Ribes inerme. The man-coys include the time of the
grounc crew, anc the time sp spent in piling and burning the slash and in seed-
ing the area to grass.

2s

COTTON INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Relationship of boll- puncturing insects to internal boll diseases,--
L,. D. Christenson, of Tucson, Ariz., has submitted a report on his investi-
gations on the nature of ispoutinat endian! "staining" of cotton
lint, internal boll rot, and the role of insects in their transmission,
These investigations were conducted in cooperation with John T, Presley, of
the Bureau of Plant Industry, at Sacaton, Ariz, Frevious vork by Cassidy
and Barber had shown the importance of staining in lowering the grade of
cotton and had proved that in Arizona it occurs largely in association with
the attack of boll-puncturing insects, the most important of which are the
pentatomids suschistus impictiventris Stal, Chlorochroa sayi Stal, and Thy-
anta custator F. Cviltures were made of the orgenisms cousing the staining
and boll rot and a species of bacterium snd three fungi were isolsted and
grown in pure culture, The fungi have been identificd by specialists of
the Bureav of Plant Industry as Aspergillus niger, A, nidulans, and A, ter-
reus, but the more abundsnt bactcrium has not been identificd. Inoculn-
tions were made with a hypodermic needle into healthy, surface-sterilized
cotton bolls and the wounds were closed by dipping the bolis in hot paraf-
fin. Nearly all bolls inoculated with suspensions of the bacterium showéd
severe lint staining typical of thet prevalent in the fields. The excep-
tions were large, nearly mature bolls that were about dried out. Inocula-
tions in culture tubes on sterilized cotton fibers of the proper succu-
lency also resulted in typical staining end showed that living tissue vas
not necessary for tho dcvelopment of the bacterium, The staining or dis—
coloration of the lint progressed from 2 faint yellowing to a dark brown
or almost black, Theo sced usunlly remained unaffected, unless pricked by
the necdlc, although in ndvanced cases of infecticn the entire contents
were rotted to a sliny mass. Bells inoculated cn the outside remained un=
affected when no abrasicns were present. While the effects of inoculations
with the three species cf fungi varied scmeyvhat, they were in general
characterized by causing internal boll rot, decomposition of the seed, snd
browning or blackening of the boll walls, Typical staining did net occur
innediately, though the lint was ultimately brcken dovm into a flesh-colored
or brovmish-colored slimy mess and complete destruction of the boll contents
resulted. These fungi are also known to cause external boll rot. Of the
organisms testec, only the bacterium caused staining similor to the type
most common in Arizona, clthough there may be othcr organisms concerned,
which were not worked with. Cotton. bolls protected from insects by sacks
Gid not become infected and in the dissection of 2,200 ficld-infectcd bolls
O11 were found to have been punctured’ by insects, The pentatonids pre-
viously doterminod by Cassidy and Barber as responsible for crusing lint
staining were allowed to puncture healthy bolls from tine to time to dc-
termine whether they consistently cause ad staining, It was found that not
all of the field-collocted individuals caused stnining ond that the infec-—
tive organisms were presont primarily cas superficial contamination of the
nouth parts, which could be eliminated by surface sterilization in a
mercuric chloride-alcohol solution, In the ficlds under observation the
incidence of staining and boll rot was corrclated with the sexsonal abundance
of the insects, a Cee e

ae

Overwintering pink bollworm larvae enter soil at different dates.--
Additional data on the relative numbers of pink bollworm larvae entcring
hibernation at different dates were obtained by A. J. Chapman and H. S.

avitt at Presidio, Tex,, this fall. In a block of uniform cotton 11 of
the fruit was stripped from the plents in the plots on October 1, October
15, Novenber 1, and Noverser-15. Most of the overwintering larvee that
leave the bolls had emerged and entered the soil by November 15, as the
temperatures are too low for nuch activity -fter that date. Approxinately
a nonth after the last date of stripping the plants, 10 square yards of
soil from each plot was examined for larvae. It was found that le percent
of the hibernating larvae had entered the soil by October 1, 66 percent by
October 15, 70 percent by Novenber 1, and 100 percent by November 15. As
a further check, mature larvee were allowed to emerge naturally from cotton
bolls and were placed in cages over soil within 24 hours after emergence.
Four cages, each containing 1,500 larvae, were examined 3 weeks after the
last installation. An average of 24 percent of the total number of larvae
was recovered as hibernating larvae in the scil. Computed on the basis of
total recoveries, the following percentages of the larvae placed in the
cages at different dates were recovered as hibernating larvae: September
16-30, 17.6 percent; October 1-15, 58.5 percent; October 16-31, 80.8 per-
cent; Novenoer 1-15, 100 percent. These results agree with the previously
mentioned stripping tests in that the optinum poriod for the development
of hibernating larvae was October 1-15. Although these tests are subject
to a number of experimental errors, they indicate that early maturity of
the crop and an early clean-up of the fields are important factors in re-
ducing the pink bollworm carry-over in the soil,

Balloon drifts in relation to flea hopper dispersal.--The final re-
sults of balloons released in May and June to obtain data on the relation
of air currents to the dispersal of the cotton flea hopper have been re-
ported on by J. C. Gaines, of the Texas Bxperinent Station, and K. P. Ewing,
of the Port Lavaca, Tex,, laboratory. Of the 4,334 balloons released in
17 counties in south-central Texas, 346, or 10.4 perc-nt, were recovered
and the identification tags were returned oy the fin’: -s, The maxinum dis-
tance covered by any recovered balloon was 575 miles. Hach of three
balloons drifted over 300 niles, an average of 341 miles in 19 hours, or
17.9 .ciles an hour. Twelve of the balloons recovered on the sane day re-
leased had drifted an average of 62,4 miles in 4.7 hours, or 13.3 niles per
hour. Most of the recoveries were from comparatively short distances, the
average Grift being 42.6 miles. The prevailing direction of the drifts was
to the north and northeast. The releases were nade in areas of light soil
where there wore large quantities of Croton, the principal host plant. in
which overwintering flea hopper eggs are laid. The general cirections of
recoveries were toward the black—land areas where Croton does net grow
abundantly but where the flea hopper damage to cotton is more severe than
in the sandy areas, These experinents and the catching of flea hoppers
on airplane traps at 2,000 fect elevation indicate that flea hoppers could
drift or be carried by wind currents for long distances from the hopper-
infested Croton to cotton fields,

me St
= an sail allies Rr reper ce ee ee a Fn gee aa a eal

-L4—

PINK BOLLWORM AND THURBERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

Inspection.--Gin-trash inspection was continued in the Salt River
Valley and Coolidge-Casa Grande sections of Arizona until December 10, At
that time the trash was becoming more bulky, indicating that the most
favorable period for inspecvion had passed; therefore the operation of the
machines was discontinued. Five crews had been operating, and as condi-
tions were ideal a large volume of trash had been inspected. The only
finding in the above area was one specimen at Casa Grande in November,
Since the sbove work was discontinued the men have been engaged in the in-
spection of green-boll samples at the San Antonio laboratory. The results
have been negative.

Destruction of stalks.--In the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas there
are less than 500 acres on which 1937 stalks are still standing, ond these
ereas are scattered. All of this acreage belongs to nonresident owners
and in many instances we have been unable. to contact them. The land was
planted by squatters and it has also been impossible to locate them, Some
of the stalks that were cut but not uprooted put out new growth. A careful
check has been kept on this situation and none of the plants have been al-
lowed to produce fruit. By the end of December preparations were begun for
the coming cotton crop and soon all cf the acrenge will heave been plowed.
Considerable rain in December put the land.in excellent condition fcr plow-
ing,

Road-traffic inspection.--At the Marfa, Tex,, road station 1,057
cars were inspected in December and 11 interceptions cf contraband material
were mede. Of this number, three were infested with the pink bollworn,
three living and one dend larvae being found, In past years the station
has been closed about the first cf January but this year no field clean-up
is being carried on, consequently. the station will be operxted as long as
there is danger of infested matérial being taken out of the area. Fewer
interceptions have been nade this season, indicating that educational work
Gone by the inspectors is having good effect. Bp Ns

Wild cotton.--Satisfactory prcegress. has been made with the eradica-
tion of wild cotton in southern Florida, A considernble area has’ already
been completed along the west coast and the upper counties are now being
cleaned for the second tine this season. All of the plants found consist
of small seedlings which have recently come wp and none of which have
fruited. Excellent progress has been made at. Cape Sable, where a camp was
set up the lattor part of November, Althcugh a large number of plants were
found, there has been a considerable decrease as compared with former clean~
ings. During the nonth 3,498 acres was covered and 254,296 scedlings and
571 sprout plants were removed. Of this number only 1,338 plants contained
bolls and most of these were at Cape Sable. In addition, 325 acres was
covered without finding. any wild eotton.

Thurberia-plant eradication,--Soatisfactory progress has also been made
with the eradicetion of Thurberia plants in the Sante Catalina Mountains
of southern Arizona, he new camp is now in full opération, with a good

supply of water available and little chance of a shortaze. The area being

nS.

worked is very rough and contains a-considerable number of Thurberia plants.
It is estimated that about 30 work days will be required to complete the area
available from this camp. During the month 2,360 dcres was covered and
18,231 Thurbsria plants were destroyed, making a total to date of 112,2u5
acres covered in the Santa Catalina Ranwe and 1,158,070 Thurberia plants de-
stroyed.

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Rotenone-containing dust mixtures control pea weevil.--Reports by F. G.
Hinman and R. A. Fisher, of the Moscow, Idaho, laboratory, on the research

work accomplished last summer in the Blue Mountain area of eastern Washing-
ton and Oregon, in cooperation with the Pea Insect Control Committee and the
State experiment stations, show very favorable results in controlling the

pea weevil by the use of rotenone-containing dust mixtures, UExtensive field
examinations showed that the use of hoods on the large dusting machines in-
creased the efficiency of these dusts. When hoods were used, the average re-
duction in weevil population was estimated to be 98.6 percent, when treated
With dust mixtures containing 1 percent rotenone, as compared. with 94.6 per-
cent when hoods were not used. When hoods were used for the application of
dust mixtures containing 0.75 percent rotenone, the reduction in weevil popu-
letion wads approximately 98.1 percent, as compared with 90.0 percent control
Without the aid of hoods, These data are based on results obtained when -ap-
plications of the dust mixture ranged from 25 to 45 pounds per acre. Satis-
factory results were obtained with applications of 25 pounds of the dust nix-
ture containing 1 percent rotenone per acre, therefore a heavier dosage is
not considered necessary, No appreciable difference could be detected in the
percentage of weevil control obtained with dust mixtures containing 1.0 or
0.75 percent rotenone when the quantities applied per acre were practically
equivalent. Results obtained indicated, however, that dust mixtures con-
taining less than 0.75 percent. rctenone might not result in satisfactory
control. Although unsatisfactory results were obtained in experiments whereby
undusted strips 30 feet wide were left between each trip of the large field
dusters, a reduction of approxinately 82 percent in weevil infestation was
founc in such uvndusted strips, indicating that the applications of dust mix-
tures have an effect on adult weevil populations on undusted parts of fields.
A close correlation was found between the recorded adult weevil populations
obtained by sweeping with an insect net and the percentage of weevil-infested
pees at harvest tine. It is believed that the use of early planted border
strips as traps materially reduced the acreage of peas that would otherwise
have needed Custing in the Blue Mountain area through the concentration of
the early emerging weevils on such strips and their ultimate destruction by -
Plowing under. Observations in 1937 denonstrated, hovever, that unless these
trep plantings were destroyed before the consregated weevils dispersed to

the inner parts of the field, such strips may become an important source of
pea weevil infestation to the main part of the crop. Sinilar satisfactory
results against the pea weevil with dust mixtures containing rotenone are
reported by J. C. Charberlin, of the Corvallis, Oreg., laboratory, who con-
ducted large-scale field tests with this insecticide in peas grovm in the
Willamette Valley for canning or for special processing, in cooperation with
the State experiment station and the canners.

nV

Parasitization of the European esrwig.--C, W, Getzcndaner, of the
Puyallup, Wash., laboratory, reports that, to the close cf last October
Bigonichaecte. setipennis Fall., the imported parasite of the Buropeen earvig,

has been liberated at 20 different points in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon
during the 4~year period 1934-37, inclusive. Recoveries of this pi
have been nade at or near 15 of the Colony sites. Three of these reco
eries were made, however, only during the yenr when the parasites were re-
leased and not subsequently, whereas two other recoveries were mode fron
colonies released in 1937. It is believed that the parasites are definitely
established at the remaining 10 colony sites. Recoveries have been made at
sites where the criginal liberaticn consisted of as few as 10 to 25 B. seti-
pennis adults, indicating that it nay be possible tc obtnin establis Iment
of this parasite by nlleteenon a corparatively snall number of in@ividuals.
Relation Se tine of ieee to curly-top danage to beans.--In sun-
mnariging the field-plot experiments with benns in southern Ié@aho ine LOST,
A. O. Larson, of the Twin Falls, Idaho, laboratory, reports that beans of
the variety "Bountiful," known to be highly susceptible to curly-—top Gisease
transmitted by the beet leafhopper, were planted at intervals during the.
perioe from May 10 to dune 28, in an attempt to discover the relation be-
tween the date of planting and the degree of resulting curly-top disense.

In general, the earliest planted beans showed the lightest infection, Ap-
proximately 14,7 percent of the beans planted on May 10 showed evidence of
curly-top disease, whereas 61 percent of those planted on June 3 were dis-
eased. A corresponding decrease in yield was recorded. Last year the beans
planted on June 3, the day after the migration of the beet leafhopper fron
the wild to the cultivated area, were the most heavily infected by curly-top
disease up to that time, and the next planting,made 4 cavs later, had the
next heaviest infection. Beons that were up 2 weeks before the first leaf
hoppér migration suffered the least injury. All plantingsof beans mude
after the uigration had begun (June 2) were infected more heavily than were
the first three plantings, which were up before that dete,

Biology of tomato worm on tobacco in Florida,--In reporting on bio-
logical studies of Protoparce sexta (Johan,) on tobacco in Florida, A. H.
Madden and F, S. Chamberlin, of the Quincy, Fla,, laboratory, state that
the attack of the tomato worm in the Quincy Cistrict in 1936 and 1937 was
confined principally to tobacco, although this species 1s considered pri-
narily a pest of tomatoes. In the insectary the curation of the ese stage
averaged 4,9 days, the larval stage 19.5 days, and the pupal stece 151.7
days. Ina few instances the pupal period required almost 2 years. Three
complete generations and a partial fcurth generation occur each yeer at
Quincy, The naxinun seasonal abundance of larvae is reached the middle and
latter parts of July, corresponding to the period of maxinmun growth of the
tobacco plants, Although various natural enemies, including seversl species
of parasites, predators, and a bacterial Cisease, attack the tomate worn
in the Quincy district, their combined effect has but little influence, ve-
cause such enemies exhibit their greatest activity after the harvest of the
crop. In the absence of a satisfactory insecticide for combating the to-
nato worm, the data obtained in these studies substantiate the practiciabil-
ity of supplemental contrel methods, including the de-
struction of the tobacco stalks directly after harvest, fall plowing of in-
fested tobacco fielcs, and the use of moth traps, uae

=f =

Rotenone-containing compounds give good control of Mexican bean beetle

; Colorado.--In summarizing the results of tests performed with insecticides
@inst the Mexican bean beetle in Colorado in LOS (pws NaleLs, Of. the
Grand Junction, Colo., laboratory, reports that sprays containing derris and
ube gave better results than any othor materials tested, the incrcase in
yield ranging from 10.4 to 48.7 percent over the check plots; that cryolite
Be rays gave the next best results, yielding from 7.0 to 18.9 percent increase
“in yield over the check plots; and that sprays containing zinc arsenite were
third in importance, giving an increase in yield of &.3 to 13.3 percent, as
compared with the untreated plots. Sprays containing calcium arsenate-lime
‘or barium fluosilicate gave’ poor results.

:

Late planting reduces wireworm injury to potatoes.--K. H. Gibson, of
Bins Walla Walla, Wash., laboratory, reports that results in 1937 corroborated

those of previous years in demonstrating that, in general, the damage to
Potato tubers by wireworms, principally ctamatiae californicus Mann, and L.
“canus Lec., was reduced greatly by late planting, Potatoes harvested fron
‘Plots planted on May 5, May 20, June 5, and June 20, showed a progressive de-
crease in the Pe bentares of injury to tubers, i. e., 76, 46, 33, and 25 per—
cent, respectively.

Biology of sweetpotato leaf beetle.--L. W. Brannon, of the Norfolk,

Va., laboratory, reports that biological studies on the sweetpctato leaf
bectle (Pypophorus viridicyaneus Crotch. ) in 1937 showed that, from a total
of 268 adults collected in the field on June 15 and caged with food, ap—
Proxinately 31 percent were dead at the end of June; 72 percent at the end
of July; 87 percent at the end of August; and 98 percent at the end of Sep-
tember. The last beetle died on October 20, after a life span of slightly
over 4 months. These Si indicate that the adults of 7, viridicyaneus are
Capable of depositing eggs over an extended period, cigneueh it was not pos-—
Sible to find beetles eee natural conditions in Currituck County, N. C.,
Tater than a month after their first appearance in June The caged individu-
als reported on in these tests deposited eges during ike period from July 1
to September &,

INSECTS AFFECTING MAN AND ANIMALS

Wool-nexgot fly reared at high temperature.--C. C. Deonier, of the

hi
Mempe, Ariz., laboratory, reports that he has been able to rear Phormia re-
gine Meig, through two successive generations et temperatures of epproxi—
Tately 99° to 100° F. The larvae matured in 3 days, the pupae in 6 days,
end the precviposition period was 5 days in the first sensration., In the

Becond generation 15 days were required from adult emergence to adult emer-
meence, This fly is ordinarily corsidered a ccld-weather species and with the
penset of hich summer temperatures it rapidly disapvesrs from Southern and
Meouthwestern areas, The findings in these experinents indicate that there may
(be a thermophilic strain of P. regina in the Western States.

Insects damaze pickle > barrels.--3. A. Back, Washington, D. C., reports an
manteresting and rather unusual case of damage caused by insects rece ntly at New
| Lebanon, Ky. Considerable difficulty was experienced in a pickle factory in
)Keeping the brine in which the pickles were preserved fron leaking out of the
)DBarrels after the pickles had been packed for shipnent, <A close examination of

ees

the defective barrels showed that a large number of them were riddled with
tiny holes and further observation revealed the presence of a small bostri-
chid, Pterocyclon fasciatum. Apparently, the wood was attacked after the
barrels had been filled with brine. Practically all the oak barrels at the
plant were damaged, while those made of cypress and other woods were free
from infestation, 5

"Tazette" oil apparently of little value as a repellent for blowflies
in Southwest.--Oil of tagetes, an essential oil derived from certain species.
of plants belonging to the genus Tagetes, has recently received sone pub-
licity as a very promising blowfly repellent in Africa. Roy Melvin and E. TW.
Laake report that tests with this material against adults of Cochlionyia
auiericana C, and P., C. macellaria ¥,, and Phormia sp., made in nature and
under laboratory conditions at Menard and Dallas, Tex., show that it is
practically worthless in protecting the wounds of animals against infesta-
tions by these species of blowflies,

Toxicity of pctroleum-base pyrethrun sprays.--from the results of re-
cent experincnts, C. 7. Bagleson, Dalias, Tex., reports that the toxicity of
petroleun-base pyrethrun fly sprays to Musca domestica L, increases as the
boiling point of the base to a critical point, and that when fractions boil-
ing above this critical point are the principal bases, a reversal in slope
of the xrecovery curve is obtained from flies sprayed with pyrethrins dis-
solved in these fractions. The resistance of Stomoxys calcitrens Cite
pyrethrun sprays is less than one-fiftieth of that displayed by M. domestica,

FORSIGN PARASITS INTRODUCTION

Parasite importations in 1937.--The following table gives a record of

inportations into the continental United States during the year. These ship-
ments were assembled by the two foreign stations of the Division, with the
exception of those of Chelonus annulipes, Collyria calcitrator, Microplectron
fuscipennis, and Leucopis cbscurus, which were received through the courtesy
of the Canadian Department of Agriculture, and of Ganbrus stokesii, received
fron the Australian Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

sho

2
— Approxinate

Country

: H Parasites shipped _
Hosts and parasites MOC ORG Th HUBS r os Eber)
Oriental fruit moth; C ae ; : H
Gambrus stokesii Cam,-------------- :Australia - 429° + Cocoons
Dioctes molestae Uch, | - : : :
Macrocentrus thoracicus Nees.) : : ,
‘Eubadizon extensor L. ) : : :
Orgilus longiceps Mues. )-----:Japan, Chosen : 40,468 : Cocoons
Apanteles spp. ) : : : ;
Pristomerus spp. ) : : :
Bassus spp. Py Re AMS : : ny
lisc. Hymenoptera ) ‘ : :
Bisdogencs hasussleri Uch..---- ~4== Japan ; 5,092 : Adult females
BEpdie sppe--—-—=—-—------—_--_ =~ -«gapan* Chosen, ¥ 769 : Puparia
Porisierola sp.--------------------:Japan : 187 : Adult, females
Do ,---------------- ----------- :Japan : 500 : Cocoons
Citricola scale: yess : : ‘
Coccophagus spp.------------------- :Japan . 97 : In Living hosts
Coccinellidae spp.—-—------—----—-~--- : Japan : 29 ;: Larvae
Buropean corn borer: Mr : :
Phaeogenes nigridens Wesm.---------~ sItaly. ie POVeOOR Adu ts
Chelonus annulipes Wesm,------ ee : Conada ee (5) eeekculabes
Hessian fly: : : : :
Plotygaster pleuron YWalk,---------- :France POSS) sldiits
frichacis remulus Walk.------------ : France : 855 : Adults
Black wheat-stem sawfly: : ) :
Collyria calcitrator Grav. --------- :Canada oT LOO) ss Nehailkts
Vetch bruchid: : : : 3 : .
Triaspis thoracicus Curt.---------- :Fronce, Austria 30,570 : In infestcd beans
Uscana senifunipennis Gir,--------- : France = 1,000 13 in host eges
one bean pod-borer: . ee : :
Microbracon spp,------~------------- :France © 90 : Adults
Do, ----~----------------------;France . : 3,840 : Cocoons~ -
Phanerctorma planifrons Nees.------- :Hungary : 6,004 : Cocoons
Di See EE ee ee :Hungery :3000-40C0 In host larvae
Suropean pine shoot noth; : ee :
Copidosoma geniculatum Dal.-------- :Holland :-100,000; In dead host
> : : : larvae
Omorgus borealis Zett. zy - : : |
Orgilus obscurator Nees. Je ashes Sei {Holland : 3,656; Cocoons
Cremastus intérruptor Grav.) ; : : ie
isc, Hymenoptera ) nf : :
' Lypha dubia Fall, J --<=+-=-=--> :Holland : ‘HSE: Puparia
Actia nudibasis Stein. ) : ~ :
Larch case-bearer ------------~---- +~---:Holland : 53,450: Host-larval cases
Spruce sawfly: : 5, —-.
Microplectron fuscipennis Zett.----:Canada =1300000; Adults
Bir bark louse; ° - : -
_ Leucopis ovscurus Hal,------------- :Cenada : 569: Adults
miaattunted

eos

FOREIGN PLANT QUARAITETIES

South Anerican ‘walagion autabes beak larva of the South American
bollworm (Sacadodes pyralis ‘Dyar) was intercepted at New York on Hebruary |
13, 1937, in a-cotton secd in baggage from Colombia, .A larva of this
noctuid was algo’ taken at New Orleans .on March 28, 1937, in secd cotton
used as packing in baggage from Panana, The’larva attacks the cotton: boll.
It has also been recorded from Trinidad, Venezuela, Arsentina, and British
Guiana, : : : : :
Corn diseases ,»--The corn disease: quare tine (PF. H.: B. 24), which be-
cane effective: see 1, 1916, was, based: prinarily on four kmown diseases.
These were named in the; quarantine as Peronospora maydis Raciborski, Sclero-
spore sacchari: Miyake, Physoderna zeac-maydis Shaw, and Physoderma neydis
Miyake, Not long after: the quarantine became effective it was. found that
Physoderna zeae-haydis was alreacy well established in this country, es-
pecially i in the South, :In 1937 Peronospora maydis, now }mown as Selleneonen
naydis (Rac.) Palm, was. reported as occurring in Belgian Congo. Other downy
mildews of corn that: are not known to occur in the United States but. have
been reported as occurring in Africo are. S. philippinensis Weston, in the
Union of South Africa; §. sorghi (Kulk.) Weston and Uppal, in Egypt and
Tanganyika; and an pndetermined species of Sclcerosporn, occurring in Uganda.
There are cther records; of doubtful status. nse philippinensis is rather well
distributed im the Orient and often is responsible for severe damage, These
roports af dangerous downy mildews of corn in another part of the world may
necessitate an eetoaleel a £0. Or ja revascuon onthe) Com 1 Giscase quarantine.

N

antcriological interceptions. of nonce. Lee living larvae of the Mex-
icon fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens La were intercepted at Hidalgo, Tex., on
August 22, 1937, in a sweet laces in basgage fron Mexico.. Living larvee of
the melon fly :(Dacus cucurbitae Coq.) were collected on July .19, 1937, in
cucumbers in the fielc in Guan. Tworkiving larvae of the plutelilic ee
assectella Zell, were taken at Baltimore, lid., on Novenber 3, 1957, on leek |
(Alliun ¢ porrun) leaves ‘in ship's stores from the Netherlands. Living adults
of the hairy vetch bruchid (Bruchus brachialis .Fahr.) were intercepted at
Philadelphia on October 25,1937, in vetch seed found in wheat-straw jackets |
used as packing for vermouth in cargo:from Italy. <A living larva of the ;
Asiatic rice borer (Chilo sinplex Butler) errived at San Pedro, Calif.,- on t
September 7, 1957, in rice straw in passenger's basa cc ; from Japan, Two |
Living Larvee ,of as weevil Curculio elephas Gyll. were found at Chicago, |
Ill,, on Noverber 8, 1937, with chestnuts in the-mail fram Italy. “A living
specinen of the ee adeit ie uxitianus obscurinervis Stal was TE NCD Coun at
Brownsville, Tex., on October el, 1937, on a ma arigolé in cargo from Mesed,
Tvo living eels of the Suropean corn borer (Pyrausta nubilalis Hbn.) were
taken at San francisco on August 1l2,.1937,.in strit "ing beans in ‘ship! s stores
from Japan, Twenty-eight living adults of Bruchus rufipes Host. were found k
2t New Orleans on Aueust 6, 1937, in spring vetch in cergo from Eimgary. A @
living acult of the ceranbycid Phytoecia rufiventris Gaut, arrived at Seattlog
Wash,, on October 15, 1937, in a chrysanthenun stalk in ship's quarters fron "|
Japan. Workers of the ant Tridomyrnex aS var, nigella Emery were inter-@
cepted at Washington, D, C., on Noveriber 1) 1937, in) a wild orchid) inthe ;
mail froi: Costa Rica,

i
Npercent of the infested area in the f
a

-2le

Patholo sical interceptions of interost.--Asccchyta achlydis Deornoss
was intercepted for the first time on duly 1 13 at € Blaine on Achlys triphylla
fro: British Columbia. The conidia were largor than the de sseripticn calls
for, An undeternined bactorial spotting of pumpkins from Japan was col-
lected ot Baltimore on November 4. The lesions resembled these produced by
Bacteriun lachrymans Snith & Bryan but this eet ie is not reported fron
Japan mua is not: knowm to attack pumpkin. Gloecsporium sp., unlike any
recorccd species, was found on Doce.-ber 5 at Bostoi on elobe artichokes fron
Qngland. Hencersonia oryzae Miy., first interception, was found on rice
straw mats used as na coking for carzo from Japan on Decenbver 23 at Philadel-.
phia. Feterosporium trilliil E. &3., first interception, was found on
Trillium ovatum from British Columbia on July 14 at Blaine. Welles Melanospora spe,-
asci and spores abunderts’ was intercepted on water chestnuts from from Japan on
eeantar 14 at Buffalo. Hyzotheciun ver verrucaria (A, &S.) Ditm., first inter-
ception, was found on tomato from Wexico on ‘April 30 at Nogales. <Asci, as
well as conidia, of a Nectrin species were found on singer root from China
intercepted at Buffalo on Decen ber 14, There was so little of the perfect
stage and secondary organisms were growing so strongly that a determination
of the species was not practicable, The first interception of Oidiun horten-
siae Jors. was made on June 20 at Boston on hydranzea fron. Scotlané. Phona,

rimosa West. was intercepted for the first time on May 26 nt New York on a

cargo shipment of reeds (Phragmites commnis) from Holland, Puccinia tage-
ticola Diet, & Holw, was intercopted on Tazetes sp. cae tenuifoline?) fron
Mexico on April 26 at New York, Sc lerotiun s sp., apparently distinct fron

S. rolfsii Sacc,, was int aceite od in usngo seeds in baggaze from Sierra Leme.
on June 21 at Philsdelphia, ‘

DOMESTIC PLANT QUARANTINES

_ Activities relating to white-fringod beetle control project.--Careful
inspection of places adjoining the kmovn infested properties in the Floraln,
Ala., area in December resulted in finding 15 acdcitional infested pronertics
botaling 793 acres, Fron July 22, when the work was started, to the last of

December, 940 properties totaling 15,720 acres heve been found to be infested.
The largest control areas are in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, Fla,, and in

Harrison County, Niss., ezch of the aoa counties having over 4,000 acres
Gnfested. The other infestations are locatec in Florrla, Ala,, Pensacola,
Pla., Leurel, Landon, and McHenry, Me s¢,, and New Orleans, Le, Thirty-nine

our Strtes consists of cultivated land,
& complete surver of the barrier dit . was nade in December and close supsar-
Vision was given the handling of the farmin, effects and crops of the 266
tenants whe moved from the regulated ereas in December,

&

Crop-production surveys in ‘white-fringed beetle orca,--Inspectors who
surveyed and platted the crops in the gqunrontined areas of Florida end Alabana
found that there were 51,000 acres of crops in the area, produced by 1,3C0
farmers, The estineted ange fei $545, 914, based on actual surveys and units
Such as bales of cotton and wagonloads of corn, was taken as very nearly ac-
eurste, The acreage of wooclend and uncultivated land is also being deternined,
Hs these types represont distinct factors in the erndicntior progran,

~2o-

Phony peach and peach mosaic eradication.--Tree-removal was con-
tinued in December in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georzia,
New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas. Although special attention is directed
toward diseased trees, abandoned orchards are also removed, as well as
wild and escaped trees which are still found in the Eastern States. Of
the force of 476 relief employees, 65 percent are working on the peach
mosaic-project. In the Palisade district of Colorado, notwithstanding the
fact thst tree-removal has been in operation since 1935, growers have co-
operated with the project and replanted to the extent of an increase of
8Q,000 trees over the number growm when the work was begun. In California
aN results: of the year, as } orsmetno with those of 1936, show satisfactory
Be eEee

Sweetpotato weevil work.--Eradication activities carried on in De-
cember throughout the sweetpotato weevil infested areas of Alabama,
Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas consisted of having all infested fields
cleaned of any remaining host-food material’. Throughout the infested
areas, inspectors have had considerable success in having fields replowed,
following the cold weather. Storage banks are being inspected and where
infestation is found the owners are induced to destroy the tubers or feed
them to stock. The practice in certain areas of paying laborers with
sweetpotatoes in lieu of cash has necessitated 4 careful check of such
farm-to-farm movement, Small markets sre also inspected to prevent the
distribution of tubers from infested properties, ‘Whe trapping of weevils
by placing occasional clean tubers .in fields from which ail cther host
food has been removed is continued with satisfactory results. Inspections
of these various types, by. 16 Federal and 18 Stnte inspectors, resulted in
finding 60 infestaticns in the 4 States. Local broadcasts by the county
agent of Thomas County, Ga., snd a moving picture by the Georgia depart-
ment of entomology, showing damage caused by the sweetpotato weevil, have:
rendered considerable assistance to the work of the project. <A survey of
this important sweetpotato-producing county was completed in December and
eradication measures were put into effect on the 22 properties on which
infestation was found. ne

’

Transit inspection,--Transit inspectors throughout the 21 cities in
which work was conducted in December report ® greatly increased movement
of citrus fruit from Texas. These shipments and carlots are inspected for
certificates required under the Mexican fruit fly quarantine. Christmas—
tree interceptions from the gypsy moth area in New Ensland were greatly in-
creased at New York and Boston through tne assignment of accitional in-
spectors from the gypsy moth project, end the inspection of truck noveneny
of Christmas trees and Christmas greens at the New York City flower-merkét
district, where some apparently willful violations were caught. Although
New inate Christmas trees were inspected at nearly all a ationer inspsc-
tors report that large numbers of such trees are aloned from the North-
western States and from Canada, At Chicago the December freight arrivals
consisted of 83 cars of Christmas trees from Canade, 96 from Montana end
Washington, and U6 from New England. Nursery stock other than fruit trees
showed increased shipping over November at Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and
Southern points.

Boa

Citrus canker in Louisiana and Texas.--Three Citrus trifoliata trees
were recently found infected on the water's edge, one on Bayou Loa Fourche
in Assumption Parish, and two in La Fourche Parish, all in the vicinity of
sites where canker was previously found, In Galveston County, Tex., in-
fection was found on nine Citrus trifoliata seedlings recently germinated
on a spot where trees had been eradicated; on five such seedlings = mile
from an old infection; and on one seedling orange on a property not pre-
viously kmovm to be infected.

CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

Response of insect heart to electrical stinulation,--J. F, Yeager, of
the Beltsville, Md., laboratory, reports that electrical stimulation of the
heart of Periplaneta americana L. (in isolated, perfused preparation) has
shown that this insect's heart can give responses that are somewhat differ-
ent from the responses usually given by the perfusec vertebrate heart. The
stimalated roach heart gives extrasystoles throughout the periods of relaxa-
tion and rest but no compensatory pauses following the extra contractions,
shows mirked summation of contractions, shows an apparent response (sumnated
contraction) to stimulus ‘during nost of the contraction period, can exhibit
complete cardiac tetanus with rapid recovery at the end of stimulation, may
show apparent treppe or staircase effect, can exhibit summation of stimuli,
and appears to have a relatively short absolute refractory period, These
responses seen to place the oardiac muscle of this insect somewhere between
vertebrate skeletal muscle and vertebrate cardiac muscle, when considered
from the functional standpoint. Histologically, the roach cardiac muscle
is striated.

Few compounds have characteristics of good insecticide.--During the
year 1937 approximately 250 organic compounds were tested for insecticidal
action on mosquito larvae by A. M. Phillips, of the Sanford, Fla., labora-
tory. Of this number only 34 had any appreciable toxicity and a bare half
dozen approached the toxicity of standard insecticides. Of the 500 Seen
tested on several species of leaf~feeding pests by M. C. Swingle and Jame
B. Gahan, 65 geve good control of. first-instar larvee and less than 10
filled the requirements cf toxicity to full-growm larvee and lack of injury
to foliage. In other words, only 1 sample out of every 100 tested gives
any definite promise as an insecticide.

INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS

Study of quassia continued,--H, P,. Clark, of this Division, has found
that the bitter insecticidal constituent of quassia wood (Quassia arara) is
a Mixture of quassin, which has 2 melting point of 206° C., and neoquassin,
which has a melting point of 226°, These materials are isomeric and have
the molecular Soxnain C22H5906. A method for the preparation and purifica-
tion cf these compounds and some of their reactions have been described in
two recent publications (Jour. Aner. Chem. Soc., vol. 59, pp. 927-931 (May
1937) and pp. 2511-2514 (Dec. 1937)).

8)

New solvents for rotenone,--H, A, Jones and S, Love have determined
the solubility of rotenone at 25° C. in 55 solvents not hitherto reported,
Rotenone is more soluble in ‘methylene chloride (58.2 g@ of rotencne in 100 g
of solvent) than in any other material, Rotenone is also quite soluble in.
benzaldehyde, pyridine, nitrobenzene, furfural, and U. S. P. cresol. These
results are published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (vol.
59, pp. 2694-2696. Dec.-1937).

Determination of oil deposit on spraved folinge.--L. EH. Dawsey anc J.
Hiley have described on improved weighing method for the determination of
oil deposit on chrysanthenun foliage after spraying with emulsions, The
method is applicable to nearly all kinds of nonvolatile insecticidal oils,
including both petroleum oils and fatty oils, The procedure consists of
four steps: (1) Cutting leaf disks in preparation of samples, (2) extract-
ing samples, (3) evaporating the solvent, and (4) drying residues to con-
stant weight. Recovery of oil from chrysenthenun folinze is 100 percent
(Jour, Agr. Research, vol. 55, pp. 693-701, Nov. 1, 1937).

Some physical ropertics of commercial paris green.--L, D. Goodhue
and BE, L. Gooden (Goury aeons ant vollmsOnipos 913-917. Dec. 1937) have

reported the results of an examination of nine commercial brands of paris
green, These were found to vary widely in particle size, density, cubic
inches per pound, and angle of slope. The values for cubic inches per
pound were in approximately the same order as the results of particle-size
determination by sedimentation analysis, and may be used as a rough measure
of the fineness of paris green,

Paris greens prepared from animal and vegetable oils.--F. H,. Dearborn,
of this Division,has described (Jour. Econ, Bnt., vol. 30, pp. 958-962, Dec.
1937) 2 procedure for making homologues of paris green from various animal
and vegetable oils, including castor, coconut, cottonseed, corn, fish, pea-
nut, and soybean oils. Fassig and Campbell, of the Ohio State University,
have reported (Jour, Zcon. Ent., vol. 30, pp. 681-642) that some of the
greens prepared from oils are more effective than ordinary poris green,
which is made from acetic acid.

BEE CULTURE

Queen introduction needs further study.--C, L. Farrar, Laramie, Wyo.,
reports; "The introduction of queens under fall conditions on a commercial
scale by the spray-direct release method gave very disappointing results,
as compared with those obtained during the summer. Tne spray-direct re-
lease method of introduction gave definitely poorer results than were ob-
‘tained by cage introduction the previous two seasons.. All queens appeared
to arrive in good condition, except two which had dead attendants; one of
these was lost, the other successfully introduced, The results were suf-
ficiently variable to indicate that the spray method may still have possi-
bilities." The actual loss. reported in the study of the spray-direct re-
lease method of introduction this fall is 19.8 percent of a total of 207
queens, Roboing is ruled out as an appreciable factor in this loss by the
statement, "Robbing reached serious proportions in only one yard. Three
queens out of 26 (11.5 percent) were lost, which was considerably less than

-25-

the average loss for the other yards." The following conclusion is

given: "In general, these losses are not inconsistent with the experience

of commercial beekeepers carrying out queen introcuction on a large scale;
however, the extent of these losses emphasizes the SHILOH ance of finding a
safe method of introduction."

Supersedure causes heavy loss.--Mr. Farrar reports as follows on 50
packages received at Laramie on June 5 for use in the supersedure studies:
"10 queens, or 20 vercent, were lost between June 5 end August 24, although
4 of these were probably lost because of manipulation. Neither variation in
the pollen factcr. while the queens were’ being reared nor the length of time
the queens were laying in the nuclei appeared to influence losses

Mutations obtained by use of X-ray.--Otto Mackensen reports that a
number of mutations of the honeybee have been obtained. at the Baton Rouge,
La., laboratory by the use of X rays and that the results indicate a nmuta-
tion rate of 12-1/2 percent for the germ cells tested. In describing the
mutations he states: "One of the mutations causes thickenings and branches
on the veins of the hind wing; the dther a weakened chitinization of the
posterior portions of the abdominal scleritces causing irregular posterior
margins and often holes through the sclerites near their posterior margins.
The phenotypic expression of both varies considerably and may overlap the
normal condition, The mature drones carrying either TDAH are MEY weal
and some of them live long enough to become sexually mature.

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS

West Indian sweetpotato weevil.,--It has recently been pointed out by

EH. C. Zimmerman, of the Bernice Bishop Museum, that the correct technical
“name for this insect is Buscepes postfasciatus Fairm., the specific name
postfasciatus antedatin= batatae Waterh.

Another Suropean weevil in North America,--W. J. Brovm, of the
Canadian Hntomolo.;ical Branch, has deposited i in the Netional Museum col-
lection several specinens of Sitona lineatus L., collected on green pea
seedlings at Victoria, British Coluoia, in May 1937. The species is con
mon and widely distributed in Europe, but has not before been reported from
North America,

Larva of a parasitic lepicopteron received.--A lepidopterous larva
attached to the body of the fulgorid Oliarus concinnula Fowler was received
from William F, Turner, of the Division of Fruit Insect Investigations, The
fulgorid, with the parssite attached, had been swept from plun foliage in
Brown County, Tex, Carl Heinrich ic lentified the larva as Spipyrops sp.
Larvae of this genus are seldom receivec, this being the thirc specimen to
come to the National Collection, The genus Spipyrops belongs to a small
family (Zpipyropidae) of wide distribution, all of whose species, as far as
known, are parasitic on Homoptera.

ape

Notes on ant identification.--Workers of the tiny black ant Mono~
mnorium minimum (Buckley) were sent in for determination by J, U, Gilmore,
with the statement that they were eating flea beetles at Oxford, N. C.,
the latter part of June 1937. Specimens of ants collected at Aoeooes,, La.,
on Decemver 12, 1937, ana submitted to the Division of Insect Identifica-
tion by K. L. Cockerham have been determined by M. R. Smith es the Texes
leaf-cutting ant (Atta texana (Buckley)). Mr. Cockerham states that he
collected the ants from collards, turnips, and onions, where they were
cutting the leaves and caus ing considerable damage,

New recoré of an sorial on tulip.--Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (Lim.)
was identified by P. W. Mason from tulip bulbs from Holland, intercepted

at Detroit (Detroit No. 1931). This common aphid usually mieeates between
plum and various aquatic plants, sometimes living partially submerged be-
neath the water, and at times being injurious to aquatic plants in green-.
houses. Its presence on tulip bulbs is very unusual and not previously
reported. <

“

Preparation of soft—bodied insects.--Soft-bcdied insects, such as
wingless crickets, wingless blister beetles, and termites, are rarely found
satisfactorily preserved as pinned specimens, Because of distortion and
shrinkage they are often not readily recognized as the species they repre-
sent. Bxcellent. permanent preparations of such material can be made, how-~
ever, by the following method which has been outlined vy H. S. Barber: The
insects are killed and fixed in 95 percent alcohol. ‘When moderately hardened
the membranes and coagulated viscera are punctured with a fine micro pin “
to facilitate complete dehydration in absolute alcohol. The specimens are
then placed in xylol.or benzol to clear them and to renove any remaining
soluble fats. After this they are allowed to dry and are then in condition |
for permanent preservation, If it is desired to pin the insects through the ©
body this is done after hardening in 95 percent alcohol, before complete de-
hydration, It has been found more generally satisfactory, however, to
puncture the right side of the insect with a scalpel and to insert a suit-
able card point coated with an eee the pin later to be run through the
base of the triangle,

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UNITED STATES) , ARS |

DEPARTMENT OF Agalc ULT URE

BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
Wi sib? l aR

FOR JANUARY 1938

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Vol. V, No. 3 ‘(Not for publication) - March 1, 1938

eee nnn nr nnn en ee eee eee

SCREWWORM CONTROL WORK DISCONTINUED FEBRUARY 15

The special educational and demonstrational work on control of screw-—
worms, which has been carried on for the: last few years, was discontinued
on February 15. With the discontinuance: of this work, the headquarters for
screwworm control: maintained: at San Antonio, Tex., and Gainesville, Fla.,
will be closed out as early as ers

The extensive work pondered anne the last few years in cooperation
with various State agencies and individuals has made: available to farmers
in the areas where screwworms occur information regarding methods of con-
trol, It is believed that the stockmen and others have now had ample op-
portunity to become fully advised regarding the control meesures, and the
educational and demonstrational work will now be turned over to the State
and other agencies to be handled in the same general manner as.is the work
concerning the control of other important pests.

FIELD HEADQUARTERS ESTABLISHED FOR GRASSHOPPER AND MORMON CRICKET CONTROL

Part of the unexpended balance of the appropriation for the control
of incipient and emergency outbreaks of insect pests and plant diseases has
been made available for use in cooperating with States in the control of
grasshoppers and Mormon crickets, This fund will be used for the establish
ment of field headquarters and preliminary work incident to the organiza-—
tion of cooperative control work, as well as for the procurement of bait
and other materials needed. Information regarding the program for coopéra-
tive work during the coming season has been made available to the State
agencies. Field headquarters for grasshopper control work are being es-
tablished at Minneapolis, Minn., and field headquarters for the control
work against the Mormon cricket will be established at Salt Lake City, Utah.
As indicated in the News Letter dated December 1, 1937 (vol. 4, no. 12),
this work is under the direction of B. MN. Gaddis, leader of the Division of
Domestic Plant Quarantines. . =. Dove has been selected as field leader
in charge of the work on grasshopper control and will be assisted by F. D.
Butcher, The field leader in charge of the work on Mormon crickets has not
been selected. R. A. Roberts and K.'H. Townsend, who have been associated
with the work on screwworm control, are being assigned to this work.

Lists
‘FRUIT INSECT INVESTIGATIONS:

GC. K. Fis anee: of the Fresno, Calif., laboratory, Meal on Sennen sors of
figs selected for closed or wide-open eyes... The selections were made in
the packing house where the figs had been graded to six sizes, but nee
culled, having, presumably, been culled on the ranches where they wer

growm, The examinations showed that the figs with closed eyes were oe
subject to spoilage. The samplés Gxamined to determine infestation, dis- -
eases Cee 'souring, and endosepsis), and internal dirt, gave the’ roitlon
ing results oe

—

: Total poTeentans sp GomionanS
Size : Adriatic eae Calimyrna
es ; ‘Closed Open : Closed : Gnome
Standerd=-----5) | 0 ie & “4 0 re

Choice-------- ae : 16 ; 0 ney
‘* Extra choice--: 0 3 AGS : 3 : el
Fancy--------- : 2 ses : 5 : By
Extra fancy---: 5 2 30 : 2 ; 23
Jumbo-—-=-=--- : i Po eSKS : i 31

Of thé 19,500 figs of the Adriatic variety about 3,500, of all size
gre des, were‘ closed at the eye. About 1,500 of the 19, 000 Calimyrna figs
were closed. -As the fruit was a mixture from several sources,. the figures
indicate that closed figs were plentiful in these leading varieties in the
CRODNOn BUGS (iors An investigation is planned to determine the extent to
which such figs, occur in orchards.

Emulsifiers for ethylene dichloride,.--To provide a nonsoap emulsifier
for ethylene dichloride for use in localities where hard water may cause
trouble with soap emulsions,.0. I, Snapp and J. R. Thomson, Jr., of the Fort
Valley, Ga., laboratory, have made a study of emulsifiers for use in con-
nection with the new treatment recently developed at that laboratory for
peach borer control, They found that calcium caseinate will satisfactorily
emulsify ethylene. dichloride when used at a rate as low as 1 pound to be
gallons of the chemical. HEmulsions made at that rate on January 17 and di-_
luted with water to 125 and 50. percent concentrations, were holding wp even
better than soap emulsions on, January 31. They also report that ethylene
dichloride emulsified with potash fish-oil soap and diluted with the hardest -
water obtainable in central Georgia (from a lime-rock area) held up as long
as emilsions of that material diluted with very soft water.

Accuracy of observers taking field records.-~-At the suggestion of
E. R. Van Leeuwen, of the Yakina, Wash., leboratory, the accuracy of ob-
servers taking field records of fruit infested by the codling moth has been
checked end the results computed by Fe P. Dean. The procedure vas to have
each observer record separately the condition of each of 100 blemished apples,
then to have a committee of experienced observers decide on the actual con-
dition of each apple by careful examination. Based on percentage of worny

-3-

fruit, the accuracy of observers with less than 3 years! experience was
from 90.0 to 95.5 percent, and of the more experienced observers from 97.0
to 97.5 percent. Based on the number of worms per 100 apples, the ac-
curacy was from 78 to 4 percent and 89 to 92 percent, respectively. ‘The
greater accuracy in :the first instance is due to the greater ease in deter-
mining whether or ngt an apple is worny than in determining the exact nun-
ber of worms that have attacked it,. As some of the errors were negative
and some positive and therefore would cancel each other in the total re-
sults from the 100 apples used, the average accuracy of all the observers
turned out to be 98 percent: for percentage worny and 93 percent for’ number
of worns,. This degree of accuracy would appear to be sufficient for the
purpose for which these observations are used.

Normal trends in Jananese beetle po puletions as indice ted by. _ by. trap

catches,--During the. 7-year period, fron 1926232, trapping was carried onin
the earliest: infested area, in the general vicinity: of Moorestowm, Ne Je, to
obtnin data on trends in the adult popuvlstion during the summer, I. M,
Hawley and T, N, Dobbins have recently summarized :these data, The number
of traps employed ranged from 21 to oly and all were in continuous use fron
June 15 to Septeriber 15 each year, The number of ‘beetles cavight in each
5-day period was determined for each-of the.7 years, The period when the |
greatest number of beetles were taken was considered to be the peak of popu-
lation and was expressed in the table as an index number equivalent to 100.
The catches in all other periods were expressed as proportionate parts of
the catch during ‘the peak period, There was a considerable -variation in
the numbers of beetles caught in the different seasons, To prevent a large
catch of any 1 year having.a disproportionate influence in determining the
average for the 7 years, the index nuwibers for each period for all years
were summed and used- in the same manner as in evaluating the yearly trap
catches, It is evident from the table that the peak, or highest 5-day
period, may occur at ony time between mid-July and mid-August, depending
largely on weather conditions, Trap catches are dependent on the number
of beetles in flight and this, in turn, is influenced by temperature,
hunicity, sunlight, and wind velocity. On cool, cloudy, or rainy days
there is little flight, When the air is humid on clear, warm days, beetles
feed extensively and fly little, but they are very active under conditions
of low hunidity. Fron the normal for the 7-year period, as shown in the
last column of the table, it is evident that a gradual increase in the
beetle population until late July is to be expected. This is followed by
a slow decline in numbers until nid~August when a sudden drop in the popu-
lation occurs, followed by a gradual falling off during the remainder of
the season, This relative abundonce is showm in the following table.

—y-

: Relative abundance ine- Usb : Average
Gi eee Ge ee
Spores, NLS wae a aes Pee eee ye srg) hig, ic ae a
June 19-24-----; -- pein aly taba OHS Che O.1: LG Oks {ni
June 25=29---~—! 1/0 : O, 12 er ees 3,2 : 0,83 0,2: 1.3% sles al
June 30-July 4-3; 0.2: 0.38 OSB Sle A 483 eG |. -Gedis: 50
Iuily 5-9---=---: 2.4: 2.08 Wee) Mee si OT lbs) 9 Ta Bal On meee
July 10-Lu---=-: 115°: 10.1: 3,2°2h00,0-: Quy: 21.3: - 88.5: . 5146
ily Mae ee s 15,03 22268 39.62 Sous Grol: P68 GanGei pee
July 20-2h----- ON CA RIDA SH eb Bene 8 one Mo.b9 Bi LOs 65.1
Gully 25-29----=' 46.9 < 100,045 Bi cOR SOs 1k 73.532! vo0.02 34, 732/ 100,0
July rae: Ba 2965 2 these OO.0: ee a GOsOs= D>. noose memories
dug, WB = -27325/6369 :. 47292 Ooi: WEL3 :2/100.0; 332955, 75.02 sone
Deseo) Sa ec gaa 27100,0 ¢/ GlsOs) 59562:.52.6-3 2657: Alii OOOH aoe
Wee EETGase ai 3 7e( ty LbeGt dled) wlfel s Sasha ete 0 Uno ee aes
Aug, 19323----- a Osis OuOMe Pes ase no eO! ¢ Gols LSS) Saas 12.9
Musee Oe> a> eet.) Og aelinses) 15 .Sme boos 2,08 te (eee ne alone
ee 29esept. 23) G59 s4. (opie Eig Dale) 6 HAA AlAs (00 6.5
Septem 8) (One 3 OslitnOpet Oso su a aise a mals WO ie aL
Sates Gale ee Sa oto imo erne ADR Otis ln ldksAS O58, \ =| Oo8e iba.
Sah. MANS Sea OR 2 IH LaRue OS NOAIgS yy. Osc Orin Oieiee 0.3
Peak catch--2255,926:602,920:145,929:139,431: 72,855:184,096:116,977:

TA er ‘
Ue few beetles were caught in this period but the index number was mich
less than 0,1 and is considered practically equivalent to 0. he

Bi

— Index number of 100 shows highest catch in any 5-day period in each
season. The numbers caught in this period are indicated at the bottom of
each column, ‘

MSXICAN FRUIT FLY CONTROL

Fewer Mexican fruit fly than a year ago.--TrapsS indicated that the
population of Anastrepha ludens Loew in the Rio Grande Valley, throughout
January was less than one-fifth as high as for the corresponding period of
1937, only 97 individuals of this species being taken in traps.’ Of the 59
female flies trapped, 1& weve gravid. Spraying operations were started on
four large developinents and several small citrus plantings the last week of
the month, A spray composed of tartar emetic, sugar, and water is being
applied, Fruit shipments for the season are approximately 200 cars less than
last season. The total to date stands at 11,420 equivalent carloads. ‘The
numbers of fruit flies identified in January were as follows:

A rrr tn 5 1 a 8 RS

Species _ : Texas : Mexico
Adults nee ma
A, ludens-------------- : 97 : Ub
A, serpentina Wied----- : 283 : 16
espe (Lh -— ee 20 : 0
A, sp. "Y'"~------------ Sana 103 : 10
Other A. sp. not ludens: 7 a oy
A. pallens Cog-<------- : 2,1 [1 So (eb pene
Total -------------- : 2, O81 tee a
| Larvae : ay
L. . 4.) ludens--------=--==- H @) beielt Saeel eee

1 proin market fruit.
CEREAL AND FORAGE INSECT INVESTIGATIONS:

Estimated damage by Huropean corn borer in 1937.--A. M. Vance,
Toledo, Ohio, presents the following estimates of damage to the corn crop
by the European corn borer in 1937, based on crop.valtues computed from.
estimated yields and current market quotations, The estimates include™
only the-area involved in the 1937 fall survey of corn borer’ abundance,
comprising 1,643,021 acres of corn harvested for grain end 43,480 acres
harvested for sweet corn. Damage indices of 3 percent end 8 percent loss
per borer per plant for grain and sweet corn, respectively, were utilized
to ‘measure the effect of the borer, the estimated total loss in 1936 for
the-same area being included. Resulting from differences in borer popu-
lations in the 2 years, the percentages of crop loss calculated from these
indices for field and sweet corn, respectively, were Woe and 11.3 in 1937;
and 2.6 and 6.9 in 1936. The increased loss due to the borer-in 1937, _as
compared with 1936, was partially offset by lower market quotations in
1937. Tne estimates of damage by areas are shown in the following table.

Area ;_ Field corn ; Sweet corn } Total _

Lake States----------- ‘ ATi : $162, 3) 1S) Pho9R225

Eastern States-------- eo aTOl id (Oo) ut 85, 866

Total loss in 1937--: $ 492,405 GIS Ane ere : $1,420,001

Total loss in 1936--: ~- : =~ pl by 520
-Certain spring wheats resistant to hessien fly.--E. T. Jones, Man-

hattan, Kans., reports that several years! work in southeastern Kansas and
southwestern Missouri, in cooperation with R. H. Painter, of the Kansas
Azricultural Experiment Station, have shown no variety of common winter
wheat to be resistant to the hessian fly. In the same tests a very few
spring wheats and a large number of hybrid selections (Fo to FG generation)
of crosses between the resistant spring wheat Marquillo and desirable win-
ter varieties have shown. continuous resistance in the same tests, Ina
scarch for resistant parental material, 299 foreign plant introductions of
spring habit were.tested for resistance at Springfield last fall, Recently
completed examinations show 14 of the varieties tested to be resistant to

26—

infestation, The remaining varieties were definitely susceptible, Varie-
.=

ties found resistant were::Pusa 101, Triwnpho, Barletta, Candeal No. 2,
Rafaela, Caliph, Lambrigg, Queen mene Commonwealth Champion, and F, P. I.
Nos. 94511, 94571, 94570, and 94594, Further tests of these resistant

varieties will be made in 1938.
ee BEBTLE CONTROL

Accumulative Dutch elm diseas se totals.--Durin 1g the ee per PLO
January 1 to 29, reports were received from the Dutch elm disease labora-
tory of 47 elms confirmed as infested with the disease. In the same period
4,656 twig samples were submitted to the laboratory for culturing. Samples
in process of being cultured and on which reports were being awaited nun-
bered 4,/5/ on January 29. Accumulative grand totals on this date were:
Elms confirmed, 28,123; suspects collected, 209,007; dead and dying trees re—-
moved in elm-sanitation work, 2,387,997; dead and dying trees tagged for
future removal, 341,658; elms removed in selective-cutting areas, 123,813;
elms renoved in clear-cutting areas, 1,566,659; and total elms renoved to
date in all activities, Can ee

In uppen) Wostches ce "and TORE Sic an eeonaee is weine nade sis renove
all devitalized elms within a mile of isolated confirmed trees. Permissions
for selective sanitation work have been obtained by the State office fron
the owners of most of the swamp areas around these locations. Sanitation
crews will work on this basis as long as’ possible, Should the nunber of
trees encountered prove to be too large for completion of the program, the
trees renoved will probably be limited to those showing at least 40-percent
devitalization, as has previously been practiced in Oranze County.

Scouting for dead and dying trees in New Jersey.--Scouting work in
Warren County was discontinued about January 15 and the crews were trans-
ferred to Morris County to assist in completing the work in Washington Town-
ship. Washington and Jefferson Townships were the only unscouted townships
in Morris County. Scouting for dead trees in Hunterdon County was completed
by January 22. Toward the end of the uionth scouting was terminated in
Passaic County anc the crews were transferred to Bergen County. Work was
also discontinued in Sussex County and the personnel assigned to elm—sani-
tation work in Warren County. Scouting in Bergen, Middlesex, and Morris
Counties was continued into February.

Reduction in VW. P. A. personnel,--in January the force of W. P. A,
workers engaged in the winter elu-sanitation work in Connecticut, New Jer-
sey, and New York and at Indianapolis, Ind., was reduced to 3,110 men, in-

volving a lay-off of apprceximately 950 tien since mid-December,

Clear-cutting of elms postponed pe pending beaver removal.--Contemplated
clear-cutting of the elms in beaver ponds located in Ramsey, Hohokus, and
franklin Lakes Townships, Bergen County, N. J., have been delayed, as the
State Fish and Gane Comission has announced its intention of removing the
beavers in these sections to a nore suitable location. Were the clear—
cutting to proceed now, it would be necessary to break the beaver dans to

lower the water level and permit access to the elms that are to be removed.

-[-

Inspection of funeral spray discloses gypsy moth egg cluster,--In-

spection at Somerville, Mass., of a funeral spray prior to its removal to
Bakersfield, Vt., disclosed one egg cluster on an evergreen cutting. Wreaths
containing cuttings of evergreens are always probable carriers of the moth,
Other interceptions of importance made in January consisted of 32 egg clus-
ters taken from 8 truckloads of logs being transported from Ossipee, N. H.,
to Johnsbury, Vt.; 18 egg masses in a carload of lumber moving from Deering
Junction, Maine, to Reading, Pa; 15 egs clusters in a carload of rocks and
“stumps being shipped from Readfield, Maine, to New York, N. Y.; 9 egg masses
in a truckload of stumps and trees moving between the same points as the
rocks and stumps; 8 egg masses in a carload of lumber originating at Deering
Junction, Maine, and destined to Suspension Bridge, N. Y.; and 8 egg clusters
in 2 carloads of lumber from the same point of origin consigned to Buffalo,
N. Y. gg clusters in lesser numbers were found in four other shipments of
lunber and shins, making a total of 94 egg clusters removed from certified
shipments during the month. Rocks, stumps, and trees in which infestations
were found were among the exhibit naterials certified for shipment by the
Maine Fish and Game Commission co the Sportsman Show to be staged in Boston
from February 5 to February 12. This exhibit will later be moved to New York
City. ,

Increase in annual Christnas-tree inspection.--Final tabulation of
records of the past Christitas-tree-inspection season shows that 763,062 trees
wore inspected and certified for movement to nonregulated gypsy moth areas
fron the lightly infested zone. This was an increase of 20 percent over the
number of inspections in 1936,

Farmer to build own fumigation house.-~As a solution to his problen of
farm—products inspection during the adult Japanese beetle season, one South
Jersey farmer decided to construct a fumigation house for the large quanti-
ties of fruits and vegetables he transports to nonregulated points in his
fleet of trucks. He has received reports that growers in California are
successfully using old railroad refrigerator cars as funigating chambers,
thereby reducing the expense of building air-tight structures.

Strawberry-plant—funigation house to be constructed,--Shortly after
approval on Decerber 20, 1943/7, of a supplement to the Japanese beetle treat—
ing instructions authorizing the fumigation of strawberry plants for Japa-
nese beetle larvae by means of methyl bromide liberated in an approved funi-
gation chamber, a large-scale grower of strawberry plants on the Eastern
Shore of Maryland began plans for constructing an approved house that will
accommodate large quantities of strawberry plants. This will be the first
commercial attempt to funigate strawberry plants with this type of funigant.

Classified nurseryman enlarges azalea shed.--Results in growing potted
azaleas under a screened shed apparently show such an improvement over pre-
vious uethods that one large azalea grower in central New Jersey has in-
creased the size of the screened shed he devotes exclusively to this purpose.
Better control over growing conditions is claimed. The screening furnishes
an ideal protection from Japanese beetles, permitting certification of all
Plants, grown in the shed,

mgm
FORSST INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Mild winter favors bark-beetle activity in central Sierra,region.-—-
Development and activity of mountain pine beetle broods in sugar pine -
stands have been but slightly impeded thus far during the winter. A field
trip-to-the Yosemite area by G. R.. Strubdle, of the Berkeley, Calif,, lab-
oratory, during the first week in January revealed that all stages of brood
were present, from parent adults and eggs to pupae and new adults. The
lowest temperature reached this winter prior to the examination was 20 F.,
the highest go°,,. Continued mild weather in this area gives promise for an
early season in 1938. New developments of the western pine beetle in -pon-
derosa pine were also. noted. during this same trip. Several small groups of
freshly faded trees were seen along the South Fork of the Merced River.

One group contained 11 trees. In two groups examined near Wawona, Calif., ,
heavy broods of mature larvae were found, This condition and, others reported
on similar sites is indicative of a build-up in western pine beetle activity.

Fecundity of green trogositid.--Mr, Struble also reports that labora-
tory experiments at Berkeley on Temnochila virescens F., an important. preda-
tor of the mountain pine beetle in sugar pine, have brought out the follow-
ing points on reproduction and larval development. (1) A total of 504 eggs
was deposited by 9 female adults between October 19, 19357, and January 10,
1938, These adults were collected in the field from infested trees in Sep-
tember. (2) Dissection of 5 gravid females revealed an average of 312 eggs
per individual. (3) Newly hntched larvae fed on a diet of fly larvae
(Lucilia sericata Meig.), in experiments started on December 1, had developed
to fully grown larvae by January 15.

Control directed against abundant mountain pine beetle broods.--Control
work against an infestation of the mountain pine beetle in western white
pine was conducted in the Smith Creek drainage of the Kaniksu National Yor-
est, Idaho, last season. In order to ascertain the actual status of this
infestation, 15 trees were felled and examined intensively. W. D. Bedard
of the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, laboratory, in reporting on the results of
these examinations, states that mature broods of the mountain pine beetle
were very abundant in these trees. Normally, under comparable conditions,
there are from 40 to 50 insects per square foot, whereas in the Smith Creek
trees there were 85 per square foot. The numbers of parasites, on the other
hand, were approximately 40 percent below normal. The brood~analysis data
indicate that, had this infestation been left untreated, an increase of 500
percent would have occurred in the area,

Forest-insect exnibit.—--An exhibit depicting the destructiveness of
forest insects has been placed in the window of the Potlatch Lumber Company
at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, by the forest-insect laboratory, This exhibit,
which has caused considerable comment and attention, centers around a large
painted sign telling of the annual losses of commercial timber within the
Coeur d'Alene National Forest as a result of bark-beetle attacks and showing
what these attacks mean in the local security of the lunber—manufacturing
industry. A white pine log infested with the mountain pine beetle, witha .
portion of the bark renoved to show the bark-beetle brood, occupies the fore= |
ground, Mountain pine beetles in the process of attacking a white pine log

-J-

are shown on freshly cut material within a glass cage. Adult beetles were
reared in the laboratory for this purpose. Trays of mounted insects and
bark specimens complete this exhibit.

Western pine beetle losses diminishing.--The Portland, Oreg., labora
tory reports an encouraging indication in the trend of the western pine
beetle epidemics in the ponderosa pine forests of Oregon and Washington,

A recapitulation of the data gathered on annual cruises of permanent sample
plots totaling 45,106 acres (40,160 a¢res in 1934) shows quite conclusively
that this trend is continuing downward from the peak reached in 1932. The
following table shows the number of trees killed per timbered acre on these
sample plots during a 4-year period.

—

State Trees killed per acre in--

: 1934 wi l-OF Gris 395 USWA
:Number : Number: Number ; Number

Onerone = rn ibs Ope lear ie OndiGl Ty Onaige
Washington--------- 15 fl SEe S/sOSuON It SOHNE whi, O16 ©

Regional average-: .c26/7 3 elo] : BAS ne

——

Notwithstanding the fact that the 1937 figures are estimations of the
total expected losses based on partially completed survevs, these data in-
dicate that the bottom has not yet been reached in these infestations. How-—
ever, in Washington, a slight increase in the number of trees killed on cer-
tain areas was noted this year, On the Yakima Indian Reservation, where
‘the greatest increase was found, maintenance control work is now under way.

Cerambycids attacking fire-killed Douglas fir,---Salvage loggers in
the Tillamook Burn of 1933 are becorring more and more apprehensive regard-
ing the possible presence of Ergates spiculatus Lec., an important wood
borer that frequently linits salvage of fire-killed Douglas fir in the Pa-~
cific Northwest, according to R. L. Furniss, Portland, Oreg. However, there
has been no authentic record of this beetle attacking trees killed in 1933,
Recently a Portland mill was reported to be cutting worny timber that orig-
inated in the Tillamook Burn. Upon investizetion the borers were found to
be Criocephalus sp., a cerambycic that for the last year has prevented sal-
vaze of many of the smaller trees, In sore of the boards examined at the
mill Griocephalus galleries had penetrated the heartwood from 1 to 3
inches.

Sprouting ana infestation in old elm stumps,--R, R. Whitten, of the
Morristown, N. J., laboratory, reports’ concerning the examination of U3
elm stumps, The trees had deen cut from 3 to 4 years previously and the
stutips ranged in diancter fron 2 to 18% inches. None of the stumps had
been chemically treated. They were examined for evidence of sprouting and
insect attack, Eleven stumps (26%) showed vigorous sprouts and five (12%)
weak sprouts, Only one sturnp showed berk beetle attack, In it there was
one gallery of Hylurgopinus rufipes (Hich.), None of the stumps had been
attacked by ambrosia beetles, but 2% (65%) showed either past attack by
ceranbycids or contained their larvee at the tine of exanination, There was

an average of 19 ceranbycid larvae or holes through which beetles had emerged

in stumps with no sprouts, as compared with 13 in stumps with sprouts.

-10=

Production: and hatching of Matsucoccus-eggs.--T 5 he one of the New
Haven, Conn,, laboratory, reports that some infornction has been obtained
on the reproductive capacity of Matsucocecus sp., vased on sounlee of complete
egs masses laid by 15 females, The number of eggs laid by individuals
ranzed from 155 to 469, the avereze number per female being 293.45. Experi-
ments to determine the percentage of hatching of the egzs are now under way.
One mass of eggs held out of doors from October 27 and transferred to the
laboratory at room temperature and humidity on December 23, began hatching
in 16 days. Another series from the sane mass placed in a covered jar at
room temperature and 100—percent humidity, began hatching in 11 days. Ex-
cept: for mechanically injured eggs, both series hatched 100 percent. A
third series collected on October 23 and held at 50°r « until January 11,
when they were placed in an incubator at /O and a relative humidity ranging
from 4O to 70 percent, bezan hatching 14 days later.

| Co OTH AND sata MOTH CONTROL

ae et cn ee

Ons Lor Be tear in, Sete Toone aa the ETalcius or Jomivatah ae corre-
spondingly low temperatures over, the remainder of the area where gypsy moth
work is done, scouting conditions became better during the latter part of

the nonth than at any time since the niddle of November, Unsensonably warn
weather, accompanied by a heavy rainfall on January 24 and 25, melted nost

of the snow in the open country in Vermont, Massachusetts, and the northern
part of New York State, and in both open and woodland country in Connecticut,)
lower New York State, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania,

Prospective thinning work revised.--A eypsy moth control supervisor
has been engazed in surveying the infested are as, together with the dis—
trict superintendent in charze ‘of the work in each State; to select locali-
ties where the greatest benefit can be obtained from the linited amount of
thinning work that can be done by the small force of unskilled workers now
available, Many infested areas in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsyl-
vania have already been surveyed,

IDiats Pharmaceutical collections aid gypsy moth work,.--The district superin-
tendent in. charge of Federal gypsy moth work in western Massachusetts has
ceen informed that it is planned to cut approximately 100 tons of witch—
hazel growth in Huntington during the winter. The witch-hazel bush is a
fevored food plant of the gypsy moth and the removal of such a large quan-
tity from the woodlends at Huntington, near the eastern border of the
barrier zone, will be of distinct benefit to the gypsy moth work in that
area,

several small infestations found near barrier zone in Vermont.—-—-Al-—

though no sypsy moth infestations have been found during the present fiscal
year in the barrier zone section of Vermont, a total of five single-egg-
cluster infestations have been located in the town of Mount Holly, Rutland
County, which is only one town removed from the zone area.

Progress of gypsy moth work in New York State.--At. the end of December

a total of approximately 8,900 acres of woodland and 32 miles of roadside
had been scouted by Federal W, P. A. workers, ©. ©. ©. enrollees, and New

t

Se lees

| York State employees in the vicinity of the infestation discovered during
‘the present fiscal year in Hague Township, Warren County, N. Y. Three
6ypsy moth infestations totaling 12,068 egg clusters were located and de-
stroyed, At the infestation discovered in 1937 in Shawungunk, Ulster Coun-
ty, a2 total of more than 11,000 acres of woodland and 69 miles of roadside

)was scouted, and 5 infestations totaling 11 egg clusters were found and
treated. More than 6,800 acres of woodland and 53 miles of roadside were
scouted in the infested area in Putnam Valley Township, Putnam County, and
4 infestations totaling 40 ege clusters were destroyed. There was a marked
decrease in the density of infestation in the two latter towns, resulting
from the very intensive scouting anc treatment work applied during the past
year,

Progress of gypsy moth work in Pennsylvania,--From the beginning of
the current fiscal year to the end of December a total of approximately
112,000 acres of woodland and 56,000 acres of open country had been scouted
in 30 tovmships in the Pennsylvania area, resulting in the destruction of
more than 156,000 gypsy moth ege clusters. Nearly 90 percent of the egg
clusters were found in the tovmships of Plains, Jenkins, and Pittston, in
Lugerne County, and in Spring Brook Tovmship, Lackawanna County.

Infestation apparently eliminated in Dyberry.--Intensive scouting in
the vicinity of the gypsy moth infestation located during the fiscal year
1937 in Dyberry Township, Wayne County, Pe., was completed in January. No
new egg clusters were found. Dyberry is immediately outside of the Pennsyl-
vania quarantined area, :

Scouting demonstrates yalue of spraying.--Because of lack of time,

spraying was the only control measure used last season in a section of Plains

Township, Luzerne County, Pa., where gypsy moth infestations are abundant.
A crew now engaczed in scouting and treatment work in that area is locating
Many old egg clusters, but very few new clusters are being'found. The
Scarcity of new ezs clusters in a region where infestation is general and
in an area that was heavily infested the previovs year emphasizes the value
of spraying as an eradication measure,

Pennsylvania State gypsy moth quarantine revised,.--The latest re-
Vision of the Pennsylvania State gypsy moth quarantine becomes effective on
February 15. The revision provides for the division of the quarantined area
into two zones, one including the totms where infestation is most abundant
and the other the towns where only isolated infestations are present. This
change should prove very effective end will reduce the cost of inspection
and certification work,

es 2,000,000 mark.--Fron July

se
}
e

Hes clusters creosoted by C. C. GC. passes ark
1, 1937, to January 8, 1938, C. C. C. enrollees creosoted 2,018,388 zypsy
moth eeg clusters in the 5 States in which such work is in progress. Of
these, 1,852,205 wore destroyed in Massachusetts, 20,519 in Counecticut,
and 145,654 in Vermont. During the sarie period 88,475 acres were examined,
and thinning or cleaning work was done on 2,437 acres.

Sie {

C. C. C. enrollees thoroughly trained before starting field work.--Be-

fore peat vane actual work against the gypsy moth, new C. C. C. enrollees
undergo a thorough course of training. They are instructed in the proper use
of snowshoes, of spurs end ropes. in climbing, and of tools used in thinning
work, Tree identification, waich ‘ ‘is necessary in thinning operations, is.
also taught. Scouts are eeinod in scouting formations and in searching | for
egg clusters, artificial infestations being used for training purposes and -
for ef ficiency ratings. While thorough training requires considerable time,
this losg is more than repaid by the improvement in the character of the
work pert formed by the specia ly trained mene

- +. - PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

Barberr ry eradication in northeast tern Ohio.--In 1808, when pioneer
settlers from Massachusetts and Connecticut moved wostnande they settled in
the five extreme northeastern counties of Ohio--Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga,
Portage, and Trumbull. THese ea ‘rly settlers brovght common barberry” bushes |
with them. Here, also, early nurseries were established and common barberry
bushes were propagated and sold in large numbers. From these early plantings,
barberries escaped from cultivation and have been found growing wild through- |
out the erea, These five counties comprise an area of 2,534 square miles,

5O percent of which : is wooded land, consisting of second-growth timber, _— |
slashings, and 2 generous stpply of underbrush, In these counties 2,120,864
barberry bushes, sprouting bushes, and seedlings have been destroyed .on
2,866 different properties. Two-thirds of all the bushes and seedlings de-
simowen in Ohio have been found in this small area. Approximately 97 percent
of these bushes had escaped fron ‘cultivation, although barberry had been +
‘plonted on 1,028 different properties, The high percentage of planted proper-— |
ties, both city and rural, is due to the great number of nurseries in Lake
County that sold the plant for ornamental purposes. Of the planted locations,
243 were found in Lake County.’ - The area would have shown a greater percent-
aze of escaped bushes had it not been for the 80,000 eee removed from
nurseries in Lake County. These five counties “have proved to be one ex-
tensive area of ‘escaped ER bra and bushes have been found on practically —
every square mile. The limited survey in Ashtabula and Geauga Counties and
the survey in Portage and Trumbull Counties in 1947, show a marked decrease
in the number of new properties and also a great decreasé in the number of |
new bushes. More than 90 percent of the bushes found in these counties in
1937 were foune on old escaped locations. . These bushes were small and
scattered, indicating that they had developed from seed since the last sur-=
vey was made, ; ;

Wiimote HORE C HS USS Eee over 12 million Hibes bushes.--R. e Pierce, i
regional leader, reports that, since the beginni ing of the W. P. A, blister ,
rust control project on July 1, 1935, vp to and including DecenbervilGa fee a
total or 12,521, 509 wild and eunlesated currant and gooseberry bushes have
been destroyed in the Southern Appalachian States by W. P,.A. workers On
this phase of the work they expended 832,407 man-hours of labor and locsted
and destrcyed an avercge of about 15 bushés per men—hour.

Scouting for blister rust in Oregon in 1937.~--Scouting was carried on
extensively in southern Oregon during 1937. The major suzar pine areas were
examined in an effort to obtain ‘samples of infection conditions which would

AB

be representative of the whole southern Oregon area, A total of 19,855
Ribes plants were inspected: and 257 of this number, or 1.4 percent, were
Found to be infected with blister rust. Since the infected bushes were
generally distributed over the entire southern Oregon sugar pine region
and were not confined to any specific area, it is assured that the samples
obtaintd represent conditions for the region as a whole. Undoubtedly,
there were many diseased bushes that were not located. As a- result, it
appears probable that some pine infection has taken pla ce this year which
will develop into infection centers within % or 4 years.

Bird Creek infection area.--In 1937 a very heavy infection area was
discovered on Bird Creek in the St. Joe National Forest, Idaho. The lower
part of this drainage supports nature anc pole timber but the upper part
comprises several thousand acres of white pine reproduction. - Sample strips
run throughout this reproduction show a general infection over the area, A
study of the data reveals the fact that the infection decreases rapidly with
the increase in distance away from the stream and ‘that there is a definite
correlation between the extent of infection and the nunber of Ribés per
acre. Both strean—-type and uplend Eaves were present. In this area 25,606
trees were exanined, of which 6, 27u, or 24.5 percent, were infected. The
amount of infection according 1 aie nee from the stream is shown in the
following ta ble. ae :

——w

; = ‘ On
(Chains ) sExonined - Infected, ¢ Totel : examine
> Nuaber :; ‘Number ; Percent: Number: Nunber
Os Gecessesess + DS, UG 2 3 Pbl to Sept Ome bole 278.0
ee ce pts al aloe) eri eok ek RG \(onig ip 53
oleh eyee pens tOH eas S76 waa es see e250" 45.2
is 2(0\e eee eee Ae UES TRS he 368 : 10.3 : Tou: 20,2
Over 20------ 2 SOGGH 3: at 5 :
otal—---—— 7/25 606" "s* Gyo 7k a eceall g

-l3a-

Corton ERC INVESTIGATIONS.

Pilosity of cotton leaves, effect on “aad infos ten oe ef-
fects of pilosity of cotton leaves and dusting with calcium arsenate on —
the abundance of aphids and their parasites have been studied by E. W.
Dunnam and J. C. Clark.at _Stoneville, Miss. Previous investigations had
shown that the more pilose leaves held larger quantities of calcium ar
senate and retained it for a longer-period than did the leaves with fewer
hairs. Four varieties with an average of l. 4 hairs per square millimeter
(range 0.41 to 2.43) and 4.varieties with an average of 4,7-hairs per -.-.
square millimeter (range 3.79. to 6,09) of lower leaf surface were grouped
as "smooth" and pilose," respectively, Some varieties of each type were
dusted 3 times, some 7 times, and others were left undusted, The aphid |

infestation was determined by counting the population.on a 2.5-inch disc

cut fron the fourth leaf from the top. of each of ‘100 Plants. — The results
are summarized as follows:

Average

cy

: : Undusted series ac oes Dusted -series
Dypey = Shain pers : Leaves : Para- : : > 6 Para
of : fme sAphids:infested : siti- :Aphids : Leaves :* siti-
leaf 3 : : szation 3 sinfested: zation
: Number sNumber: Percent *Percent:Number : Percent: ..Percent
Stooth=--9 Ug ggg Wb Pnigh.d 2 esl) ome 40,7
Bitlose= = 3 mani t OO. 4 OB Gay me aeelbeO Glan 72 eee

The aphid population was from two to three times as' great on the
pilose-~leafed’as on the smoothleafed varieties: in both the dusted and.
undusted seriés, and from six to eight:times as: great-on the dusted’as
on the undustéd: prants with both types-of leaves, Although the’ aphid--
population wag greater on the pilose varieties under all conditions, the
percentage of parasitization was lower, Pilosity of the leaves, by af-
fording a more favorable environment or through interference of parasite
activity, appears to be a factor in increasing aphid population. Even
though pilose varieties may not become heavily infested with aphids when
not dusted with arsenicals, this condition is probably just within the
bounds of natural control and the application of poisons upsets natural
control more readily in the pilose~leafed than in the smooth-leafed
varieties.

mde by cia aie

si
co

a _Experiments in cotton vollworm control.--The results of his plot ex-
periments for the control: of the cotton bollworm. in: 1936. and.1937 have been
summarized by R. W.:Moreland, of/College Station, Tex. Most.of the damage
was-caused by the second brood of bollworms. from moths: migrating: from corn

to the cotton. The damage-varied considerably in different experiments,

7
ws

being so great in some that no cotton was’picked from the check plots, Cal-
cium. arsenate, calciym arsenate-paris green mixtures, and:mixtures of cube,

~pyrethrum, cryolite, barium fluosilicate, and: calcium arsenate with sulphur

were used as dusts. In. 1936 the average) gains: from five plots receiving

—_

four and five applications of:calcium arsenate- were 495 pounds of seed cot-
ton and a profit of $16.03 per acre, Four plots receiving two and three
applications showed an averige gain of 431 potihds per acre. In 1937 the
average gain of four plots dusted three times with calcium arsenate was

326 pounds and a profit of $11.39 per acre, The: average goin in the plots
treated with. the calcium arsenate-paris green mixtures during the two sea-
sons was 373 pounds, with a profit of $9.79. <In the plots treated with

the calcium arsenate-sulphur mixtures, the. gains were less than in the cal-
cium arsenate plots. and in proportion to the poundoge: of:calcium arsenate
used per acre, The gains from the cube, pyrethrun, and cryolite were all

- much below those fron the calcium arsenate, .In the one experiment receiv-

ing barium fluosilicate the profit was $11.71, as compared to. $6.03 on the

calcium arsenate, plot. It was: not so great,-however, as the average profit

from all the calcium arsenate plots.’ «. i,

Field population of overwintering pink bollworms.--ixaninations were
made in Decenber. and January by A. J. Chapman, H..:S..Cavitt, M. H. Huehs,

_and 0. T. Robertson, of Presidic,. Tex,, to: determine the population of -over-

wintering pink bollworns remaining in the 1937 cotton fields of. the: Big:
Bend after the final picking, The surface trash and plant naterial above

“ground and the soil under the: plants fron-l~square-yard areas were examined
* separately. Twenty-five representative fields with different intensities

‘of infestation, plant growth, and soil types were sampled: at five points in
» each field, or a total -af 250 samples of plent material:and soil. The nun-

ber of hibernating larvae in the cotton bolls and squares: on the plants and
: SB : ~
on the soil above ground ranged fron 6.2 to 123.2, with on average of 55.5

—

‘larvae per square yard, as compared to an average of 2/ in 1936 And U3 in
1935. The large increase in nunber of worms over: previous years is attribu-

ted to'the generelly heavier infestation and espécially to the unusually
large amount of unpicked cotton left in the ficlds because of the shortage
Of pickers, heavy fall rains, and the-low, price of cotton. ‘Fields: that: con-
tinued to fruit late in the season because of late planting, varieties,

soil types, late irrigation, or second growth. of the plants, had a,much
higher population in the plant material: than had fields where the cotton
natured early. The larval population in the top. 3 to.5 inches of the soil
ranged from 1.0 to 41.8, with an average of 7.98 larvae per Square: yard,

In 1936, 4.33 and in 1935, 12.5 larvae per square yard were found, With

few exceptions, the fields with the late cotton also had the highest soil
populations, Contrary to last year's results, more larvae were: found in

the heavier types of soil than in the lighter types. This was attributed

to the fact that, because of more rains this year, the heavy soil did not
crack so badly and a higher percent of larvae were near the surface and were
recovered. The exceptionally heavy populations in a few late-fruiting fields

E15=

increased the average number of larvae found in the soil. Eleven of the
25 fields examined contained a lower soil population than last year.
Killing frost occurred on November 22, 1937, as compared to November },
1936, allowing the larvae to continue to increase and enter the soil for
a longer period. Approxinately 13 percent of the overwintering larvae
were found in the soil and 87 percent above ground, which was about the
same. percentage as last year, None of the cotton fields were cleaned by
the Bureau ‘this fall and, owing to the uncertainity of establishing a non-
cotton zone in the Big Bend, the farmers did not begin preperations for
next year's plantings until very late in the season, About 1,000 acres
were heavily pastured by cattle and sheep and examinations before and after
pasturage showed that approximately 95 percent of the larvae overwintering
above ground had been destroyed by the aninals,

PINK BOLLWORM AND -THURBERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

Inspection,--The inenocnson of gheen boli samples has been continued
at the San Antonio, Tex..,:-laboratory throughout the month, with negative
results. These samples were collected last fall in areas near the infested
zones, Other samples were collected in sections where there is not suf-
ficient cotton production to justify operation of gin—trash machines.

Destruction of stalks.--Preparations for the coming cotton crop have
gone forward very rapidly throughout the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas
and .considerable stub cotton has already been destroyed. A close watch is
being kept of all the stub cctton remaining, to see that none of it pro-
duces fruit. In the latter part of the month there was freezing weather
and a killing frost. A survey made since then indicated that all of the.
stub cotton had been killed back; consequently, there will be no cotton
upon which any insect. could propagate itself until the new crop -comes in.
Several hundred acres of the 1938 crop have already been planted,

Road-traffic inspection.~-The road-inspection station at Marfa, Tex.,
was in operation throughout the month. <A number of interceptions of contra—
band material were mede but none of them were infested with the pink boll—
worm. The men on duty at the station report that practically all cars and
trucks showed evidence of having been cleaned before reaching the station,

Wild cotton.--Owing to depletion of funds, eradication of-wild cotton
was discontinued at Cape Sable on January 13. At that tine a considerable
portion of the area had been cleaned once this season and some of it a
second tine, The last of the month additional funds were obtained and work
has been resumed at Cape Sadle. Along the west coast excellent progress
has been made, practically all of the area having been cleaned once this
season and several counties a second tine. In a-number of locations where
plants previously occurred none were found, Excellent progress has also
been made on the Mainland Keys, most of the area having been covered once
this seagon. During the nonth 158,897 seedling and 617 sprout plants were
renoved, 3,210 containing bolls. Approximately 200 bolls were inspected on
the Menments Keys and 5 pink bollworm larvae were found on Key Largo and yy
on Long Key.

Sse

Thurberia-plant eradication,--The eradication of Thurberia plants in
the Santa Catalina Mountains of southern Arizona has gone forward as usual,
During the month 1,360 acres were covered and 10,272 Thurberia plants de-
stroyed. This makes a total of 13,605 acres covered and 1,168,342 Thurberia
plants destroyed in the Santa Catalina Range. The territory worked during
the nonth has been very rough and rugged. Practically all of the plants de-
stroyed, with the exception of seedlings and very small plants, have shown
weevil infestation, In carrying on this work it is necessary to construct
some roads and pack trails to reach inaccessible parts of the range, The
local chief of the Forest Service has made some very complimentary remarks
concerning this work, and the roads and trails are being used by forest
rangers and Government trappers.

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Cryolite and cuprous cyanide control tomato pinworm,~-In summarizing
the results of insecticide tests against Gnorimoschema lycopersicella Busck
in California in 1937, J. C. Elmore, Alhambra, Calif,, reports that cryo-
lite and cuprous cyanide, in either sprays or dusts, were the most effective
stomach poisons used against this pest. Contrary to former belief, both
cryolite and cuprous cyanide protected the treated plots effectively for
60 days following the last application. Two dust or spray applications
gave sufficient protection from a light pinworm infestation, whereas five
applications were required in fields subject to heavy attack. It was de-
termined that for best restuls, the insecticide applications should begin
when the first pinworms formed leaf folds on the plants. In instances
where the leaf folds became numerous before the insecticide applications
were started, it was difficult to obtain satisfactory control. Nicotine
sulphate, light mineral 011, a proprietary insecticide containing an ali-
phatic thiocyanate, and extracts containing pyrethrum, or cube, were not
effective against the tomato pinworm at the dilutions tested,

Pyrethrum~oil spray reduces beet leafhopper population on seed,
beets.--V. H. Romney, of the Phoenix, Ariz., laboratory, reports that exper-
iments performed last November in fields of sugar beets grown for seed in
the Salt River Valley of Arizona demonstrated the efficiency of a pyrethrum-
Oil spray, applied in an atomized form, in killing the adults and nymphs of
Eutettix tenellus (Bak.). In experimental plots laid out in a field repre-
senting average conditions and plant growth in the valley, an average of
97.1 percent of the leafhoppers were killed by the spray on November 5,
when the daily range of temperature was from 76° to 89° ¥., whereas on Novem
ber 27, when temperatures ranged from 66° to 74° F,, an average of 91.1 per~
cent of the insects were killed by the spray. An average of 10 gallons of
spray per acre was applied in the first treatment and 5-3/4 gallons per acre
in the second treatment. Some of the plots received the first treatment
only, others received the second treatment only, a third group received both
treatments, and other plots were left untreated, Forty-eight hours after
the second application of spray the following average numbers of E. tenellus
adults and nymphs were present per foot of seed-plant row for each set of
four replic:tions: Sprayed twice, 0.07; sprayed once (late), 0.47; sprayed
once (early), 0.55; unsprayed, 5.29. In the spring an examination of these
plots will be made, in cooperation with the Bureau of Plant Industry, to de-
termine the comparative percentazes of curly—top injury as a measure of the

oo

degree of protection afforded by each of the spray treatments. -The spray

used in these experiments was eomposed of one part white mineral-oil and
two parts kerosene, mixed at the rate of 30 to-1, by volume, with pyrethrum
extract containing 2.03 grams of total pyrethrins por 100 cubic cone

Wopeer vations on cabbage ingle pope ationey = Tale summarizing the res ene
obtained in ‘as survey of conditions relating to cabbage and cabbage worms at:
Baton Rouge, Las, in 1936 and 1937, C. 3. Smith and R, W. Brubaker report
thet the cabbage looper (Autographe brassicae (Riley)), the imported cabbage
worm (As¢ia rapae (L.})), and the larvae of the diamondback. moth (Plutella
maculipennis Curt.)) constitute most of the worm population on cabbaze,
their relative importance being in the order naned, It was found that the
cabbage looper was the dominating factor on fall crops and appears late on
spring crops. The imported cabbage worm is the most important, if not the
most abundant, species on spring crops, and appears late on fall crops in.
danaging numbers, : The dianondback moth may become abundant on either the ©
spring or the fall crops.--The cabbage webworn (Hellula undalis (F.)), the
cross-striped cabbage worn (Zvergestis rimosalis: (Guen.)), and several
species of Agrotinae are abundant on fall crops. The importance of the lar-
vao of the diamondback moth appears. to depend a great deal on the proxinity
of the affected crop to the source of infestation and on natural control
agencies. This species seems to spread rather slowly and thrives best dur-—
ing periods of. dry,>cool weather, especially when the temperatures are low |
enough to cause a check in-the activity of its parasites but not sufficiently™ |
low to check its own activity. Damage caused by the'cabbagse webworm is con-
fined largely to the seedlings of fall-grown cole crops. This species de-
stroys the buds, thus rendering the plants worthless, Although the cross-—
striped cabbage. worm is seldom sufficiently numerous to cause important
danage, the infested plants are usually injured very severely, owing to the
deposition of the eggs in clusters and to the gregarious feeding habits of
the larvae. In addition to the losses caused by cutwornms in cutting off the
young plants, these worms and the corn earworm (Heliothis obsoleta (F,))-
often attack the young cabbage plants when heads are forming. Plants’ thus 4
injured either produce poorly shaped unmarketable heads, or may fail to forn |
heads because of the feeding of the worms, |

Pacific coast wireworm varices in duration of life eS the
course of biological studics on Linonius canus Lec,, EB, W. Jones, of the |
Walla Walla, Wash., laboratory, found that 62 percent of the 1935 brood of *- |
this species reared in large outdoor cages completed their development as -
larvae in:1937 and are destined to emerge as adults in the spring of 1938,
thus completing a 3-year life cycle. Ten percent of this brood energed
last year to complete a @~year life cycle. he renaining 28 percent are
still in the larval stage and will presumably complete their life cycle in &.
a 4-year period, It appears, therefore, that individual wireworns originat- |
ing fron the same brood may complete their life cycles within periods of 2,
3, or 4 years. It was determined that when noisture conditions in the soil
fell below the optimum during the summer, the wireworm populations decreased
and fewer larvae transformed to adults than when optinum conditions pre-
vailed., This phenomenon occurred particularly in fields planted to aspara-
Sus, alfalfa, and pasture.

Ae

Data on the cabbage webworm in North Carolina,--In summarizing infor-
mation obtained in investigations on Hellula undalis (F.) at Chadbourn,

N. C., in 1937, W. A. Thomas reports that ‘three generations and a partial
fourth developed in the Chadbourn area, The first generation is of the
greatest potential importance because it functions as the primary infesta-
tion, the progeny of which attack crops grown later in the season; tne
second and third generations catise a maximum degree of damage because of
their larger population; low temperatures retard larval development late

in the fall and thus limit the degree of “injury caused.by the species;--
freezing weather is apparently not always fatal to the H. undalis adults,
especially when such weatHer occurs intermittently during the late fall;
data obtained “from light-trap studies demonstrated that there were two dis-—
tinct flights of adults, oach with a duration of approximately 6 weeks, oc-
curring during July-August and October-Novenber, Distribution surveys
demonstrated that the webworm is a potential pest to cruciferous crops
throughout North Carolina, South Cardlina, and Virginia, with the possible
exception of the mountainous sections.

INSECTS AFFECTING MAN AND ANIMALS

*

Relative percentage of eggs of ‘two mosquito species in nature,--H. H,.
Stage reports that of 15,347 mosquito eggs taken from the soil of a pro-—
lific breeding area on Deer Island near Portland, Oreg., 35 percent were
Aedes vexans Meig. and 65 percent were A. alGrichi Dyar and Knab,

”

‘Hexachlorethane shows little promise as mosquito larvicide.--W. V.
King, Orlando, Fla., reports*the'following results of laboratory tests with
a mixture of two parts of hexachlorethane and one part of talc, as a mos-—
quito larvicide: ‘

: : :°Water’ :. Larvae
Species ; Tests:Insecticide used: tempera-:dead in 2h

: Per pan:Pér acre; ture ; _ hours

: :Number: Grams : Pounds : OF : Percent

Culex quinguefasciatus Say--: 1 .: 0,006: 1 hae GO) te TRS AO

DG Sa = eS ee ee ay hoe ae Ase. prone 69 : 0

10 CR PP Fie ths OGG. ee TO. We: ES HGOT 0

DOa— a = ee RA a ah LOY hee MOD ee PERU GO mans 0

Medes sollicitans (Walk.)---: 1 : ,320: 50 ; aie 520

C. quinquefasciatus--------- ie F seA0 8 Loar. Ge-G0""s 0
A. sollicitans—-----------~-- ae Seen OO -s 85 3 05 aly/
C. quinquefasciatus--------- idee math eC 15 7 nn BO! BS (0) ade ales U7, 5(52,5)1/
Do----------------~+--- PES Cf eda tee bOO rs : SO : Hel Gi@ic aes
pees Set Fe SSS Peep ye OO rs ees 92.5(95,0)L/

1
1) opera dead in 48 hours,

atic)

Specificity of organic insecticides.-=in tests on the insecticidal
value of organic chemicals, Roy Melvin, Dallas, Tex., reports that of 26
compounds that kill all larvae of Cochliomyia americana C, and P. in arti-
ficial media at a concentration of 0.05 percent or less, only 4 killed 50’
percent or more of adults that were fed 1 percent of the chenical in Honea
for 5 dayse: <a

FOREIGN PLANT QUARANTINGS

Verticilliun wilt of carnations.—~A fungus with gray conidia isolated
from wilted carnations found in the Rhine district..of Germany in 1929 was
described as Verticillium cinerescens by Wollenweber. Already it is con-
sidered by some to be the worst disease of carnations in England, The United —
States imports carnations from England for propagation, .As the disease may
be present in the tops of plants for some days before any discoloration or
other symptons: are evident, it is sometimes carried in apparently healthy |
cuttings and infects the soil of new beds. So far as one may. determine from
the literature available, the disease ment be present and escape detection
on imported propagating material. ;

Tomato diseases.--A new fruit spot of tomato was intercepted at New
York on January 18 on tomatoes from Haiti, The fungus causing the spots is
a Helminthosporium with much larger spores than any species described as
occurring on tomato.. A rotting tomato from Mexico intercepted at Nogales on
January 22 was producing masses of Phytophthora spores over much of the sur-
face, Although the species of this downy mildew genus that may occur on
tomatoes from Mexico cannot well be determined without pure culture work,
this specimen seemed to be P, capsici Leonian, P. capsici is known to at-—
tack a number of hosts and appears to have been increasing in economic ime
portance during recent years.

Cercospora leaf spot of banana,--A leaf spot of banana caused by
Cercospora musae A, Zimm. was described in Java in 1902, Although not re-
ported as important in Netherlands Zast Indies, it has since proved to be
serious in the Fiji Islands, in Australia, and in the Caribbean region, The
disease was not noted in the Caribbean region until 193%, when it was found
in Surinam by Gerold :‘Stahel and in Trinidad by C. W. Wardlaw. It has been

reported from Jamaica also. The rapidity with which this new disease has
Sana and its evident destructiveness in the Caribbean region has caused
apprehension regarding the future of the numerous small plantings of bananas |
and plantains grown for nouwe use in Puerto Rico, where the food supply is
already a serious problem, wvudies to determine what may be done to meet the
situation have been started,

Green alfalfa as a packing medium,--A passenger, arriving at the port
of New York on June 25, 1937, carried 11 pounds of cherries, which were
seized as contraband material,. The cherries, were carried in a large basket -
and were carefully packed between layers of green alfalfa, Although no pest
was found on the cherries, living larvae of fee alfalfa weevil (Hypera posti-
ca Gyll, ), thrips, aphids, and cecidomyiid larvae were among the 10 inter-—
ceptions made on ne 4 pounds of green-alfalfa packing.

~20—

Entomological interceptions of interest.--Two living larvae of the
Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens Loew) were intercepted at Laredo, Tex.,
on September 8, 1937, in.a pomegranate in baggage from Mexico, Nine living
larvae of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata Wied,) arrived at
Port Arthur, Tex., on November 17, 1937, in four oranges in ship's stores
from Spain. Living specimens of Anaphothrips orchidaceus Bagn,. were taken
at Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 16, 1936, on an orchid, Phaius ashworthianus,
in express from England, <A living larva of the bean pod borer- Qisnie testu-
talis Geyer) was intercepted at San Francisco on August 16, 1937, ina
string bean in ship's stores from Japan, Two adults of Rpton craccae L. ar-
rived at Mobile, Ala., on December 21, 1937, in vetch accompanying straw
packing in. cargo from Scotland. This weevil was reported as attacking
vetches and oats in Russia, A larva of the oecophorid Endrosis lacteella
Schiff. was found at Baltimore on October 21, 1937, in a hyacinth bulb in
cargo from the Netherlands, Living specimens of the nirid Ceratocapsus punctu-
latus Reut. were taken at Brownsville, Tex., on-.October 41, 1937, on chry-
Santhemums in baggage from Mexico. A.living adult of the silky cane weevil
(Metamasius sericeus Oliv.) was intercepted at New Orleans on Novenber 4,
1937, with banana debris in cargo from Mexico, Living adults of Bruchus
vViciae Oliv. arrived at New York on October 22, 19437, in vetch seed contan-
inating straw jackets in cargo from Italy. The coccid Pollinia pollini (Costa)
was taken at Washington, D. C,, on October 28, 1937, on an olive leaf in the
hail from Italy. Sixteen living larvae of the West Indian sweetpotato weevil
(Buscepes postfasciatus Fairm.) were intercepted at Hagle Pass, Tex., on No-
vember 22, 1937, in sweetpotatoes in baggage from Mexico, This weevil was
formerly known as Euscepes batatae Waterh.

DOMESTIC PLANT QUARANTINES

Progress in standardization of State plant quarantines.--Various State
plant quarantines of several southern States are being standardized, or in

some instances revoked, as an outcome of concerted action to this end on the
part of the quarantine committee representing the Southern Plant Board at the
Meeting held at New Orleans on February 3.to 5,

; Grasshopper—control project started.--Cooperating State agencies are
being contacted for the purpose of setting up control organjzations, and an
initial ‘supply of poison-bait materials will be made available in all areas
of heavy infestation in advance of grasshopper egg hatching.

Mormon cricket project contemplated,--A cooperative Federal-State pro—
gect for the protection of crops against the Mormon cricket is contemplated,
With field headquarters at Salt Lake City, The general plan of operation
Provides that the States will furnish mixing plants and power dusters, dust-
ing materials, oils, storage for materials, and transportation of iepdrenee
‘Supplies, anc materials, Federal funds may be used for sunervision and labor
and for supplemental light-dusting units. The work will be linited to such
“States, counties, and commnities as provide ccoperation,

Funds provided to continue work on white-—fringed bectle.,—-To ca irry on
‘Control activities for the remainder of the fiscal year, $135,440 has been
pallotted to the white-fringed beetle project from the appropriation provided

~cl~

for the control of emergency outbreaks of insect pests and plant diseases,
The infested States are cooperating by allotting special funds to the
project or by assigning inspectors and laborers. In addition to con-
.tinuing the type of control measures carried on in the 1937 campaign
against the white-fringed beetle, several additional measures will be under-—
. taken including the use of weed killers, flame throwers, metal barriers,
and the recommended adoption of selective cropping and special cultural
‘practices. The use of cheap crude oil, it is believed, will be the most
practical, economical, and perhaps the most effective weed-killing agent
for most of the eesecd area. Chemicals will be applied on uncultivated
open land, and on undergrowth in timber land. Nonpoisonous chemicals will
be used on areas exposed to- livestock and on vacant city lots. Standard
sprayer machines with necessary modifications will be used for applying
weed-killer chemicals. The use of flame throwers for destroying beetles,
as well as host plants, will be undertaken when the beetles emerge and be-
~fore egg deposition, and, if their use is found to be practicable, will be
repeated at about 10-day intervals,.. Several types of equipment will -be
tried for this work, consisting of knapsack burners for marginal and in-
accessible areas; two-wheeled hand-operated burners for city lots and
Similar areas; two-wheeled mule-drawn burners equipped with leads of long
_hose and nozzles for use on roacs and similar stripe; larger units mounted
-on pick-up trucks equipped with boom with fixed burners and supplemented
by burners affixed to long lines of hose for reaching inaccessible spots
(this, machine will also be used: for distributing weed—killing chemicals);
and caterpillar tractors equipped with flame throwers and weed—killing
equipment for use on areas inaccessible to trucks. Selective cropping and
cultural practice will be recommended to farmers in the infested area. At
a recent meeting of 200 farmers all agreed. to eliminate favored host plants
to the extent possible and to adopt cultural practices most suitable to
, beetle control, : Residents. of Florala, Ala., are giving excellent coopera-—
.tion jin agreeing to discontinue growing vegetable and garden plants of any
. kind .in CNL gardens after June 1, leaving such areas available for control
measures. A large lumber company in the infested area has removed from
cultivation over 1,100 acres of cultivated land in the interest of the pro-
ject, permitting vegetation to be kept down and barriers to be erected,
The: use. of metal barriers against migrating beetles will be undertazen on
certain typés of infested areas where trenching is impracticable,

No living adults of the white-fringed beetle at Saucier, Miss,--In-
spection for ‘Naupactus at Saucier, Miss., in January resulted in | finding
= nO adults in the field where they were numercus on November 23,

eae ‘shipload of Argentine bones inspected for _white-fringed .
beetle.--Inspectors who examined the debris fron approximately Ve “tons of
. animal bones that arrived at New Orleans on January 6 from a town near
‘Buenos Aires, report finding increased numbers of both insects and species
over the numbers in the cargo that arrived on Novenbder 20, but no white-

fringed beetles were found. Half the cargo consisted of field bones with
animal matter and soil adhering to them; the remainder of treated packing-
house bones, . About 9 tons of debris taken at random from the field bones
-and 2 tons of debris from the packing-house bones were screened and exanined,

Lope

Sweetpotato weevil.--Fields on infested properties throughout the
States of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas where intensive eradi-
cation work is carried on are now in excellent condition, following the
campaign of vine removal after harvest and replowing in winter to expose
any remaining potatoes to killing frost. Growers are disposing of stored
sweetpotatoes in order to lessen the possibility of carrying over an infes-
tation, and inspectors are assisting them in locating their seedbeds at a
safe distance from the old infested properties, Twelve infestations were
found in January. ats s

Treated logs found infested with gypsy moth.--Five gypsy moth egg
Masses were recently found on a shipment of birch logs consigned to Washing-

ton, D. C., from a point in Massachusetts, and one egg cluster on a log
shipped to a point in New Jersey by the same consignor, Although the logs,
which were shipped as firewood, had been treated to produce colored flame,
the infestations were found on the uncertified logs and the shipments were
intercepted by the Boston transit inspectors,

Phony peach disease reduced gu percen e--An examination of the results
of the 1937 inspection activities shows that in the 14 infected States there

was a reduction of nearly §4 percent over last year in the number of trees
found infected. Inspection was made in 1937 of all properties that had been
found infected in 1936 and also of outlying areas. In the lightly infected
States 362 counties were worked, as compared with 360 in 1936. Of the peach
nursery stock located in areas inspected for the phony peach disease in the
1937 season, 99.5 percent met the certification requirements for interstate
movement. Action on the part ‘of the various States in establishing and en-
forcing uniform quarantines and local eradication areas has effected out-
standing accomplishments in the campaign against this disease, Supplenental
allotments for the continuance of projects relating to phony peach and peach
mosaic diseases, respectively, have been granted from the emergency relief
approprintions for the remainder of the fiscal year. Nurserymen have been
very active in effecting the rerioval of diseased trees from neighboring
properties, replacing the trees in many instances with clean stock, AI1
States in the lightly infected area have contributed freely of funds to carry
on the work,

Status of peach mosaic infections.--The cooperative peach mosaic in-
spection work conducted in 1937 jointly by the Bureau and the several States
has revealed an extension of infected areas in certain States, Infection
was found for the first time in Oklahoma in a county adjacent to an infected
county in Texas, The mosaic disease was also found in one additional county
in California, cne in New Mexico, anc in several additional counties in
Arizona and Texas, However, careful inspection in many Texas counties pre-
viously reported as infected resulted in finding no mosaic disease,

Citrus canker work.--Citrus canker was found in January on three prop-
erties in La Fourche and Terrebonne Parishes, La, These properties are lo-
cated in an old area of canker infection, Recurrent infections were also
found on young seedlings on two properties in Brazoria County, Tex. Although
these findings show the necessity of continued persistent search for the
disease, a comparison of the 1937 situation with that of 1936 shows a decrease

at

>

of 74 Perera. in the mudber on trees. Foune mit canier din ae ti: States.
More funds have rec ently been allotted fron the. emergency. relief appropria-
tion for continuing the york of abandoneds tree renioval ' 5 the. two infected
States, ee

CONTROL * INVESTIGATIONS

Plant extract found to be toxic.--W. N. Sullivan, G. L. Phillips, and
E. R. McGovran, of the Beltsville, Md.; laboratory, report that’ an extract
of the fruit of the Amur cork tree (Phello@endron-arurense) of China and
Japan, showed considerable toxicity when tested against mosquito: larvae’
and the house fly. The material tested was prepared by HH. Le Haller, of
this Bureau, from the residue left after BEB, K. Nelson, of the Bureaw of

Chemistry and Soils, had distilled: the volatile ‘oils from.the fruit. Against. .
mosquito larvae the extract was more toxic than was a derris. standard con- @

taining 5.2 percent rotenone, Tests against the house fly showed the ma—
terial-to be about as toxic .as the dérris standard. A single spray test -
indicated that this material possessed low. toxicity. to southern arnyworn
larvae, but this also applies to derris and pyrethrun, ‘This extract is a
fast-acting poison, much like pyrethrum, The results of these tests are
ericouraging,. as it’is probable that cnly a small percentag ze of the extract
contained. the toxic principle. The 50i1 Conservation Service is interested |
iy Oe possibility of using the tree for soil conservation.

_ Dormanc ey believed essential to laboratory roaring, of certain insects.-- |
Sone interesting observations on the hibernation of insects have been made |
Dayna niGe Swingle ,” -of the Sanford, Fla., laboratory, who: reports that a stock}
of the cross s~striped cabbage worm has alnost comletely died out after being |
reared for about 10.consecutive months in the laboratory. The stock becane
so badly. diseased that it was impossible to rear the larvae even in an open

“plot in the. field. Meanwhile it was observed that larvae collected in the

field were entirely immune to the disease, It was then discovered that .
larvae in the field normally experience a dormant period brought on by
lower temperatures and other factors, and it is assumed that this rest

- period is required ‘for regeneration of the species. Considerable diffi-.
culty: has been experienced at times in rearing the imported cabbage worn
and it now appears that an enforced dormancy may correct these difficul-
ties also In this locality factors other than temperature may force the
species. into ee te

INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS

Determination sof, rot tenone in derris ana oube aa A. Jones, of thie
Division, and J. J. T. Graham, of the Food and i Drug Aaninioerensons have
recently erate (Indus. Engin, Chem, Analyt. Ed., vol. 10, no. Ll, po.
19-23, Jan, 1 » 1938) the results of a-study of the extraction of rote-
none fron nee and cube roots, They find thet chloroform is the best
solvent. In order to extract all rotenone from a sample, it is exceed-
ingly important that it. be ground sufficiently fine, so that at least 95
percent passes a 60-nesh sieve. Samples containing a high ratio of ’
rotenone to total extractives were found to be more difficult to extract
than those with lower percentages of rotenone, When tne ratio of rotenone
to total extract was about 40 percent or over, particularly in the case of

p=)

derris roots, it was necessary to employ extraction at room temperature
with successive lots of chloroform in order to obtain satisfactory ex-
traction of the rotenone. This method should also be employed as a check
whenever there is doubt as to the completeness of extraction by the ali-
quoting procedure. Cube roots in general are more readily extracted of
their rotenone content than are derris roots. The moisture content of der-
ris and cube roots as received in this country has not been found to be
sufficiently great to interfere with their analysis, hence preliminary
drying of samples seems unnecessary, ‘

Determination of small amounts of nicotine,.--L. VD. Goodhue has de-
scribed (Indus. Engin. Chem. Analyt. Ed., vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 52-54. Jan,
15, 1938) a new method for the turbidimetric titration of small amounts of
nicotine. The unknown nicotine sample is added to an excess of silico-.
tungstic acid and the excess of the latter is titrated with standard nico-
tine formate. Results that check to about 5 micrograms can be obtained.
Flocculation of the precipitate is prevented by the addition of Irish moss.
extract, and the tendency to crystallize is retarded by using formic acid
instead of hydrochloric acid, as in the analysis by the gravimetric method.

New compound of rotenone.--United States Patent 2103195 was granted
on December 21, 1937, to H. A. Jones on a new chemical compound composed of
a monomolecular combination of rotenone and dichloroacetic acid, C5 H590¢.-
CoHs00Clo. It is believed that this new compound will not only prové valuable
as an insecticide but will also provide a new nethod of analyzing derris
root, inasmuch as it can be accurately titrated with standard alkali.

New copper-arsenic insecticides.--F, E, Dearborn on January 4, 1938,
was granted United States Patent 2104584 on certain new compounds of copper
arsenite and a copper salt of a higher unsaturated fatty acid. These con-

pounds, which resemble paris green, are practically insoluble in water and
are suitable for insecticidal and fungicidal use,

Nicotine-peat process patented.--United States Patent 2107058 was
granted on Februcry 1, 1938, to L. N. Markwood, This patent covers the |
process for preparing nicotine-peat, which consists in washing peat with.
an acid and then contacting the peat with an aqueous solution of nicotine.
Nicotine-peat contains the nicotine in a form largely insoluble in water,

Is cube equal to derris as an insecticide?--R. C. Roark has reviewed
(Soap, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 1ll-113, 120. January 1938) the reports of
about 30 investigators who have compared the insecticidal action of derris
with that of cube of equal rotenone content. Laboratory and field tests
indicate that in the control of some insects derris gives better results
' than does cube of the same rotenone content, whereas other insects appear
equally susceptible to derris and cube, Any insecticidal superiority of
derris over cube is more than offset by the present difference in price,
Which is 11 or 12 cents per pound. More economical control of those in-
sects susceptible to rotenone can be obtained with cube than with derris,

nee

BEE CULTURE

Chemical. and physical. analyses of western beeswaxes.--Geo. H. Van-
sell, .of the Pacific Coast Bee Culture Field Laboratory, Davis, Calif.,
who Aas ‘been. working in,cooperation with C. S. rake son, of the University
of California, reports that western beeswaxes. have been subjected to chen-
.ical:and physical .analyses. and-to tests for ee removal of foreign solids
‘and colors. Pure wax obtained by stimulative feeding has uniform charac-
teristics and lacks color. As the adsorption or mixture of materials in-
creases, the characteristics progressively diverge from those possessed
originally. . Contact: with metals, particularly, iron, and certain pollens
causes the wax.to become- discolored with browns and yellows, The. yellow
colors of almost infinite variety occurring in crude beeswax are. traceable
almost. entirsly to,the liberation of yellow wax~soluble constitutents by
pollens. The red, blue, and purple pollens investigated did not discolor
the wax. Admixture-of propolis in wax greatly changes it because this sub-
stance possesses characteristics differing radically from beeswax; for ex~
ample, the.acid number of propolis is in some cases six times that of wax
and it sinks in water, whereas wax floats (specific gravity 1.180 to 0.963).
Treatment of crude beeswax with dilute,acids greatly facilitates the clean-
ing of wax by quick coagulation and precipitation of numerous impurities.
Acid-treated wax, after.one. washing in hot water, has the same acid number
es the original, but it appears to be somewhat harder and more brittle.

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS —

Valuable additions to collection of coleopterous larvae.--Larvae of
the following species of Phyllophaga nave been received, all definitely de-
termined by rearing, through Bureau sources: P, subnucida (Lec. ), Pp. lati-
frons (Lec.), P. glaberrima Blanch., P, parvidens (Lec.), P. luctuosa (Horn),
P, 80. soror Davis, P. prunuculina (Burn.), and P. forsteri (Burm). Also repre-/|
sentatives cf six different reared species were received from Paul 0.
Ritcher, of the University of Kentucky, who is engaged in a Sous of the
Kentucky species. —-lir.. Ritcher has cooperated further with A. G, Boving by
contributing data on. specific variation and suggestions concerning the
value of different characters in. the larval classification of this group.

Host record for a species of Agromyzidae.--Specimens recently iden-
tified by C. T. Greene as Phytomyza atricornis Meig. were reared from mines
in leaves of Cynara scolynus (artichoke) at Half Moon Bay, Calif., by
W. H. Lange. This appears to be the first host record for this Se Reas

The braconid genus Stantonia in North America,--Until pocenune species
of the genus Stantonia have been recorded only from the Orient, Africa,
and South America, and the host relationships of the group have been alto-
gether unknown. A short time ago, however, S. C. Bruner submitted speci-
mens from Cuda, reared from larvae of Lamprosema indicata (F.) and during
the past month a. single specimen, reared from a cocoon of the codling nofh
in western Kentucky, was forwarded by Mr. Ritcher. Both species are new
and are being described.

Obe:

H

" Notes on psocids recently submitted for deternination,.--Several spe-

“cies of Corrodentia, or psocids, which represent valuable additions to the
“Museum collections, have recently been received. <A number of species of
Tonsiderable interest have been collected in connection with the curren
“survey of the insect fauna of peach orchards conducted by the Division of
Fruit Insoct Investigations, Two species, Nymphcopsocus gravinympha (Weber )
and Psoquilla slossonae (Banks), have been taken at Port Washington, N. Y,,
ana New Orleans, La., respectively. These species occur in houses in situa-
tions similar to that of the common bocklouse (Troctes divinatcrius (Mull.)).
Me letter species is practically cosmopolitan and has been recorded fron

the flowers of plants and the nests of birds, as well as from dwellings.

Me above specics of Nymphopsocus and Psoquilla are distinguished from pso-
Cids usually encountered by the reduced size of the wings and by different
venation. In connection with biological studies of Recurvaria nilleri Busck,
Je S. Yuill has submitted male specinens of Psocus subapterous Chepnan taken
an Yosemite National Park, Calif, This species has nearly wingless fenales
@nd was described as new in 1930. The principal section of the Nearctic
Corrcdentia is now fairly well knorm, but a few sections are in nced of
Tevisionary study. Specific identities are often difficult to deternine in
the case of Neotropical Corrodentia,

Another United States record for a West Indian sugarcane leafhopper.--
A single specinen of Saccharosydne saccharivora (Westw.), collected fron
weeds ond grass in a peach orchard in Peach County, Ga., on August 28, 1937,
Was submitted for identification by Willian F. Turner. This is the third
Tecord of the species in the United States, the two previous ones having
Been from localities in Florida. Inasmuch as Peach County is in central.
Georgie, it sees probable that S. saccharivora is more widely distributed
dn the southeastern United States than has been thought.

A collecticn of scale insects received.--The R. A. Cooley collection
Of coccids, formerly held at the Montana State Agricultural Experiment Sta-
tion, has just been deposited in the National Collection of Coccidae through
Shipment by H. 3. Mills. This acquisition adds some species not previously
Contained in the National Collection and also the type specimens of sone
Species hitherto represented only by determined specimens,

---0Q0---

A vt\ LIBR AR s
ag

APR 9g
UNITED STATS: & bey «22,

BUREAU OF

ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE

NEWS LETTER

UNITED STATZS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTING
Ne Wash baer

FOR FEBRUARY 1938

FRUIT INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Hibernation of plum curculio.--As very few adults of the plum cur-
culio have ever been found in hibernation and as there has been consider-
able speculation as to exactly where this insect hibernates, studies have
been made by Oliver I. Snapp and J. R. Thomson, Jr., at the Fort Valley,
‘Ga,, laboratory, to determine just where it passes the winter and its con-
dition during the hibernating season. The plum curculio was found. hiber-
nating in debris, wocds mold, and other materials, at the edge of woods
bordering or near peach SeceRtia, The individuals reared and fed in the
field had built up a large reserve of body fat before entering hibernation
and apparently have more of this fat than:do the incividuals reared and fed
in the insectary. It was found that hibernating female plum curculios do
not contain eggs that have developed to any extent. These workers had here-
tofore determined that a period of about 1 month is required for eggs to
develop and mature in the bodies of female plum curculios and, as there is
no egg development in hibernating individuals, an explanation is presented
as to why plum curculio adults do not begin to deposit eges in peaches for
a period of a month or more after they appear from hibernation. This Gives
peach growers an opportunity to apply a spray for the control of the plum
curculio before the oe of the oviposition season in the spring.

Volatility a factor in effectiveness of oil omulsicns in control of
san Jose scale.--Oliver I. Snapp and J. R. Thomson, Jr., have just con-
pleted the third season's experiments to dotermine the relation of vola-
tility of lubricating oils to their effectiveness in the control of the
San Jose scale on peach trees at the Fort ber aca A series of
seven oils, with volatilities ranging from 0.% to 6.9 percent. and with
Practically the same viscosity, were used at a strengths fcr this year's
@xperiments. The data obtained during the 3 years! vork indicate that for
Best results in the control of the San Jose scale, the volatility of a
Mineral oil should: be not more than 1 percent,. although the toxicity of the
insecticide to that insect is not greatly Perected when oils having a
volatility between 1 and 4 percent are used, provided, of course, that the
Viscosity.is within the range of 125 seconds Saybolt or higher. Control
Of San Jose scale was greatly reduced this year with oils having a. volatil-
ity range between 4.9 and 6.9 percent, the viscosity being within the
recommended range,

Boe

Growers using fewer treated bands for codling moth than formerl
Surveys made by M. A. Yothers and BE. J. Newcomer in the vicinity of Yakina
and Wenatchee, Wash., for the last 5 years have shown that the following
percentages of orchards have been banded with chemically treated bands:

Year : Yakina 3; Wenatchee
1933---=-=== coe 33
Neg eee Han IBIS pe 535)

9996 aa a bo SO a as 3u
IGG ssa tos : 23
193/-------- sigalg : le

MEXICAN FRUITFLY CONTROL

More Mexican fruitfly found than in February 1937.--Fruit continues
to move at a rapid rate to.the packing ond processing plants. It is esti-
mated that 75 percent of the crop has. been harvested and that much of the
remaining crop will be picked before the end of March. Trap: catches through-
out February indicated that the population of Anastrepha ludens Loew was
slightly lower than in January and approximately one-twentieth as high as:in
February 1937. Much closer field inspection, however, revealed 16 larval in-
festations, This year's total exceeds that of February 2 year ago by three.
The numbers ond species of fruitflies identified in February are shovm in the
following table.

Species : Texas $ Mexico
Adults H Number 3 Number
Anastrepha ludens---: (os :
A, serpentina Wied--: a2 : 2
A. sp. "L"---------- : ald 3 0)
A. sp. "Y"---------- ; 9 ; 2)
A. #p. "n, sp. "-----: 2 ; 0)
A. pallens Coq------ : 853 : 25
Miscellaneous------- 3 125) : WhO) oh i
Totol-~~----------- Q 995 : 35 Belin
Larvae 3 H ay ie ae
A. ludene----------- HANNO SEO) : 56L ane
Grand total-------: . ls) : 590 ub;

Bu emeets fruit.
OSREAL AND FORAGE INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Airplane meets wind-borne grasshoppers at high elcvations.--The fol-
lowing notes were contained in a letter from John P, Gaty, vice president of
the Beech Aircraft Corporation, under date of February 16: "On February 12,
1938, while flying from Des Moines, Iowa, to Kansas City, Mo., at an altitude)
of 2,000 fect, considerable numbers of grasshoppers were encountered. Many
of them were killed by smashing into the structure of the airplane. Winds of

-3-

gale velocity had been blowing from the southwest for more than 2% days.
Undoubtedly these insects had been carried by this strong southwest wind
into the area in which we found them. We have often encountered grass~

hoppers in flight at altitudes above 10,000 feet,"

Differences between single- and multiple-strains of European corn
borer.--K. D. Arbuthnot, New Haven, Conn., reports that the multiple-senera-

tion strain from the field near New Haven, and the single-generation strain
from the field near Toledo, Ohio, will cress and produce fertile eggs. The
multiple-gencration strain, in the two generations reared in the labcratory,
showed a consistence in its reactions which indicate that this is a homozygous
strain. The single-generation strain, in the two laboratory generations,
showed inconsistencies which indicate that this material is not homozygous

but is a mixed race. The reciprocal crosses between the two strains were _
very vigorous in the Fy generation, as evidenced by high rate of larval sur-

vival end eg production, but the Fo larvae had a very low rate of survival..
Because of the inconstancy of characters in the parent single-generation

race, no analysis can be made of characters or their behavior in the crosses.

Field tests with insecticides for European corn borer control, C. H.
Batchelder, New Eaven, says that under the seasonal. conditions of corn borer
‘populations and climatic factors prevailing in the New Haven area in 1937,
reductions of corn borer populations in ears of early mrket sweet corn
when treated with insecticidal agents under commercial conditions averaged
78 percent with the quebrache-—fixed nicotine treatment and 77 percent with
the derris treatment, both applied as sprays,’ Dual~fixed nicotine, applied
as a dust, reduced the corn borer ear populations 71 percent under similar
conditions. These reductions were accomplished at avcrase total costs per
acre as follows: Quebracho-fixed nicotine, $25.06; derris, $24.84; dual-
fixed nicotine, $22.38. Dual-fixed nicotine and cube applied as dusts and
quebrache—fixed nicctine applied as a spray effected approximately 90 per-
cent reduction of borer populations infesting dahlias in experimental plots.
Second-generation corn borers severely. infesting ears of late-grown sweet
corn were reduced from 80 to 90 percent as a result of treatments with dual-
fixed nicotine cust.

Varietal resistance of field corn to European corn borer.--L, EH. Patch
and R. T. Everly, Toledo, Ohio, report that double ‘crosses involving R¥, Hy,
and L31/7B2 in their pedigree, if the additional inbred is not a susceptible
line, are obout as borer-resistant as the standard single cross RY X Hy. It
is indicated that the single cross R4 X L317B2 is the most borer-resistant of
the field-corn strains tested to date, only half as many borers surviving on
this strain as on RU X Hy from on equal number of eggs in the 1937 tests. Of
146 inbred fieldscorn strains tested to date, only the following 4 may be
Classed as materially borer-resistant; Illinois R4, Iowa L317B2, Iowa 205,
and Michigan 77. The largest part of the differentiation in the number of
borers between R4 X Hy and A X Tr takes place in the first 6 days, and is
possibly associated with leaf characters as indicated by differences in
feeding: habits of the borer on the leaves of the two strains. The corn-
borer resistance of R4 X Hy is shown to be operative at least over a 30-day
developmental period, ranging from 21 days before

~l.

pollen shedding to 4 days after. Michigan Hybrid No. 561, reported by
Marston to be resistant to the corn borer, was found not to be resistant
in comparison with standard strains of about equal seasonal reouirements
under the conditions of tests conducted at Toledo. This interpretation
applies to resistance as measured by larval survivals, egg deposition,

and tolerance, the last as measured by reduction in the yield of grain by
a given number of borers, :

JAPANESE BEETLE CONTROL

Further reduction in W. P. A. force.~-At the completion of the Feb-

uary work period, the Works Progress Administration personnel was reduced
2 1,182 men. The Connecticut State W. P. A. office requested that it be
Siven in advance a list of names of men whose services were to be termi-
nated at the end of the work period, Upon receipt of this list the office made.
reassignnents to local projects, Notices of transfer were given to the men
at the same time they were notified that their services were peas ter-
ninated on the Dutch elm disease project.

Seasonal sanitation activities nearing completion in New Jersey.--Regu-
lar activities in dead and dying elm sanitation were rapidly nearing con-
pletion in some sections of New Jersey at the end of the month. A111 scout
ing for dead and dying trees was completed in Bergen, Mercer, Morris, and
Union Counties, Scout crews in Bergen and Morris Counties were transferred
to regular sanitation work. In Mercer County less than 2,000 tagged de-
cadent trees remain standing, and in Union County less than 1,000. The
only remaining dormant season scouting in the State is in hiiddlesex County,
where the work is necessarily slow because the scouts are spotting on scout-
ing maps all standing elms; as well as elm-—free areas.

Sanitation work completed at Indianapolis.--Sanitation work has been
completed in the Crown Hill section of Indianapolis. Several hundred trees

were pruned and over 100 devitalized elms renoved from the 300-acre plot.

Social Security nunbers for W. P. A. workers.--The State lender in
charge of the Dutch Hlm Disease field headquarters at Norwalk, Conn., was
requested by State W. P. A. officials to obtain and submit to them the
Social Security numbers of W. F. A. personnel: employed by the division. It
was found that less than 25 percent of the men had applied for Social Se-
curity numbers.

Sanitation activities disclose concentration of disease.-~Hleven
diseased trees wore reported in mid—February in a shall area within the
Great Swamp: in Morris County, N. J. Confirmations were obtained from speci-
mens submitted by regular clear-cutting crews.

Special sanitation work completed on private | Sstate, “-cellect ire sani-
tation wortt was completed by February 2d on an estate in North Castle Town-
ship, Westchester County, N. Y. Special attention was given this location
because 13 confirmed trees had been found on the property during the 1937
scouting season.

-5-

Inspection of wood shavings.--Tests are in progress to determine

whether a special machine, recently built to convert wood edgings into
shavings, will separate out or destroy any gypsy moth eggs that may be de-
posited on the edgings. The owners of a box factory and dressing msl Ihil ‘alpal
the heavily infested area of southern New Hampshire recently’ applied for
inspection and certification of 125 carloads of wood shavings to be manu-
fectured fron waste-wood edgings. Approximately 65,000 feet of round-edge
lunber are sawed daily at this factory, and waste~wood edgings accurulate
at the rate of about 30 cords a day, Actual inspection of this large
quantity of waste material is impracticable, therefore disinfection or heat
treatment are the ‘only methods of obtaining certification. These methods
are too costly for the manufacturer,

Infestations in inspected commodities.--One or more egg clusters were
found in seven shipments presented for inspection and certification in

February. The largest. infestation, consisting of nine egé masses, was re-
moved from seven truckloads of logs inspected at Ossipee, N. H., for move-
nent to Saint Johnsbury, Vt. Six-.egeé emeauons were taken from 4 carload
of white birch wood destined from Dixfield to Lincoln, Maine, Smaller
finds were made in hemlock boughs and lunber, Bakine a total of 2 ege
clusters intercopted during the month.

Heavy 2ypsy noth infestation near granite-cutting sheds.--A report
from the district inspector at Quincy, Mass., indicates.that there is a

heavy gypsy moth infestation throughout the areas where the granite-cutting
sheds are located in this center for building and monumental granite. City
employees of the local moth department creosoted the egg clusters in these
localities,

Heavy shipments of certified pulpwood.——During February, 1 company
shipped 75 carloads of pulpwood to paper mills in northern Néw York, This
product was obtained in the spruce-growing sections of Néw Hampshire and
Vermont. It was certified on the basis of either inspection of the lot
where grown or actual inspection of each log, depending on the conditions
of infestation in the cutting areas. ;

Dahlia growers appoint corn borer committee,.--Concern among dahlia
growers over the rapid increase and spread of the corn borer is indicated
by the appointment of a corn borer committee by the American Dahlia Society,
One of the duties of this committee is to urge research activities particu-
larly directed to control of the borer in dahlias. The past: moderate win-
ter is believed to have been favorable for corn borer survival in New Jer-
sey and on Long Island, where dahlia growing is seriously affected by this
pest,

Movenent of nursery stock begins in Japanese beetle area.--Harly sea-
son shipments of nursery stock from classified nurseries began in volume
in February. Spring orders to the South were dispatched from the Phila-
delphia area. MThree-.cerloads of stock, consisting of fruit trees and rose
seedlings, were certified from the Eastern Shore of Maryland. An unusual
shipment for this time of the year, 100,000 tomato plants, was certified
for shipment from New Jersey to a grower in North Carolina.

a

Adult: beetles in greenhouses.--Acult beetles emerged as usual in the
"run-hot" rose-growing greenhouses in the Philadelphia area. Several
greenhousemen have employces picking them daily. Little damage to rose
blooms has been reported, as many of the growers also had employees destroy
all adults seen: last summer. A report was also received of adults being
found in a greenhouse in the New York area. Two beetles were found on
February 18 in an infested greenhouse on. Staten Island.

Winter larval collection.--Five hundred: Japanese beetle larvae were’
collected during the month in, the vicinity of Shiloh, N. J., in a section
where the ground had thawed sufficiently. These were found a spade—-
length deep and deeper. The larvae will be used in trials with methyl
bromide as a fumigant for strawberry plants now being SleLalelbten rele at Salis-
bury, Md. et

FORSST INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

-Bark beetles more de structive than fire in Rocky Mountain region.-—
According to. J. A. Beal, of the Fort “Collins, “Colo., laboratory, insect.
losses in the forests of the central Rocky Moun aan region have been par-
ticularly severe during the last few years. Bark—beetle outbreaks: in the
pine type are responsible for most of these losses and the Slack Hills 4
beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk, ) ranks first from the standpoint of E
destructiveness, Its importance as a tree killer can be illustrated by S|
comparing the volume of tinber it has killed annually in recent years with ;
the volume lost annually by fire and with the annual timber cut. These a
data are presented by States in the following table: ag g

gt Annual losses from-- : Annual | 4
State: Fire, Ds ponderosac, $ timber cut, q
3 all tree species: pine only : pine-only : 4
:) Board’ feet : Board feet : Board feet
Colorado-~-: 380,000. + +15,000,000 : 51,907,000
Wyoning----: 11,723,000 : 69,150,000 : 35,705,000
Utah------- 2 1,153,200 i _ 7,500,000 - 5,130,000
Total----: _ 13,205,200. + 91,950,000 : ee ae

i ee

There are some very apparent reasons for this present condition: First,
fires are held in check by an adequate fire-detection and fire-suppression '
systen, whereas insect losses have received far less attention; second, we
are undergoing 2 period of extremely heavy insect losses which have probably
been augmented by weather conditions favoring the development of bark-beetle ©
outbreaks; third, from the standpoint of tinber cut, this is not a particu=
larly nae lunber-producing region, as much of the timber has a higher
value for other purposes.

The Douglas fir beetle causes a tax problem in Oregon.--In 1935 the
Douglas fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopk,) attacked a great many
Douglas firs in the vicinity of the Tillamook Burn in Oregon. This oc- A
currence did not come to the attention, of timber owners in the affected area
until 1937, when a 20-percent cruise of one large property showed that

-/-

$2,130,000 board feet had been -killed on 15,000 acres. R. -L. Furniss, of
the Portland laboratory, states that the problem now ‘confronting this con—
pany is to determine when the trees died. Fading of attacked Douglas fir
trees is comparatively slow and, in addition, many trees suffer 2 delaycod
death as a result of infection by Ceratostomella, a blue-stain fungus intro-
duced by the beetles. Therefore it may not be possible to cruise the en-
tire loss until the second year after attack.’ The importance of this prob-
lem lics in the fact that the compary in question is salvaging burned tin-
ber and can claim credit for a reduction in taxes on the basis of the
beetle-killed volume. As the reduction is dependent on the amount of tin-
ber salvaged in the year of the loss it is necessary to Ceterztine when th:
trecs died, in the eyes of the law. Ri hy

Insect probleris worry forest supervisors. -—At the recent annual meet-—

ing of the Regional Investigative Comnittes, two forest supervisors, one
from the Douglas fir region and one from the ponderosa pine region, were
asked to enumerate the most important problems requiring solution in their
respective territories. Of the half dozen or so subjects mentioned by
each supervisor, forest insects were given an important place.

Pine trees recovering from injury by umseasonal temperatures.--During
the latter part of October and the first part of November 1935, a 3-day
period of- low temperatures occurred throughout most of the northern Rocky
Mountain region. These low temperatures, although not extreme for the
region, were abnormal for the season and were preceded by a period of un-
usually warm weather, This sudden climatic change killed considerable
western white pine and ponderosa pine foliage in mony parts of the region,
and records have been taken to determine the rate of recovery and sus-
ceptibility to bark—beetle attack. W. D. Bedard, of the Coeur d'Alene,
Idaho, laboratory, reports thet in the sccond year following injury tvo of
the mature white pine trees. marked for observation were attacked and killed
by the mountain pine beetle. This loss is no greater, however, than that
which occurs under normal’ conditions. In the white pine reproduction plots
two trees have died with no evidence of insect injury, indicating that the
climatic injury was perhaps responsible. -In generzl, all living trees are
making good recovery. In white pine reproduction recovery appears to be
in direct proportion to the severity of injury. "In mature ponderosa and
white pine, the ‘slower growing trees suffered most injury but are apparently
making the most rapid recovery. :

Spray controls mountain pine beetle ‘in lodsenole pine.--In 1926 and
1937 a series of experiments to develop a spray that would control the ~
mountain pine beetle in lodgepole pine wag carried on dy A. L. Gibson and
J. C, Evenden, of the Coeur d'Alene laboratory. * Certain lethal oils ap-
plied late in the spring and early in th summer’ were found to readily pene-
trate the thin bark of lodgepole and geve nearly 100 percent control of all
stages of the insect. This method offers’ many advantages over present con-
trol methods, chief of which are: (1) The small amount of equipment required;
(2) freedom from fire hazard, a very objectionable feature of previous
methods; (3) control operations can be deferred until road and weather con-
ditions are favorable for establishing control camps; and (4) control can be
conducted until immediately prior to emergence. of the insects late in-July.

eae

* Elm bark beetle penetrates bark on sprayed trees.--During the winter
of 1934-45, R. R. Whitton, of the Morristown, N. J., laboratory, conducted
a few experiments. to test the effectiveness of certain insecticidal sprays
in preventing feeding by adults of the smaller European elm bark beetle
. (Scolytus multistriatus Marsh.) in the twig crotches and elsewhere on the
bark of elm. Observations and experiments have shown that elm trees com-
monly become infected with the Dutch elm disease fungus after adults of
S. nultistriatus, contaminated with fungus, have fed on then, “Mr. Whitten's
experinents were conducted in a greenhouse and consisted of spraying both
small potted elms and small elm twigs with an insecticide and exposing the
sprayed material, together with untreated elms and twigs, to attack by a
known number of adults. The measure of control was determined by counting
the feeding scars which penetrated the cambium and by the dry weight of
the beetle excrement after all beetles had died in the cages containing
sprayed elms and twigs, Lead arsenate, magnesium arsenate, zinc arsenate,
ferric arsenate, and cupric arsenate were used at the rate of 10 pounds to
100 gallons of water. The dry weight of the beetle excrement showed that
all the spray mixtures reduced the amcunt of feeding per beetle, but feed-
ing scars which extended tell into the xylem. were found in all cases, fFur-
ther experinents were conducted by R. R. Whitten and W. C. Baker during
the past winter. Two 5-year-old potted elm trees were thoroughly sprayed
with each mixture used. The sprayed trees and two untreated trees were
placed in a large indoor screened cage. Twenty-five hundred active 5. mul-
tistriatus adults were liberated in the cage and allowed to feed for at
least 2 weeks. The trees were then removed and the feeding scars in the
twig crotches and on the trunks counted. The entire procedure was later re-
peated. The two lots of trees are referred to as "Series A" and "Series BM
in the following table, in which the numbers of feeding scars on trees re-
ceiving different treatments are show.

SRE SNC GAM tBom Feeding scars in-- ;
Spray formula ; Serics A Sermo spin Total
na 4 :Crotehes:Trunk :Crotches: Trunks:Crotches: Trunk
3 Nunber:Nunber: Nuiber ‘Number: Number : WNunber
Lead arsenate, 5 lbs.,s : : A g H
linseed oil, 20 o7.,: : $ : : g
water, L0G gal------ : SU iim demon kinds 10 : Oe eet . 66
Concentrated line- : 3 ; : : ;
sulphur, 1 part, 2 tee H : ; ;
water) 50) parts-—--=— : IB MUa ei etn Cin teh eelinl) Weeenh R ik Mole. 8 34
Quebracho -fixed g g H : 3 :
BUCO ME). (19 iat). H : : H : :
water, 100 parts----: QOn 8 (nega sis GLE iin siNnt Gs igs niin oe mivguag i
Wnbreaved= ees = : O35 is) TUE used Be ih toS9 Wit) RAB SIs aerate

The table shows that none of the spray mixtures prevented feeding by
the bectles. Most of the beetles founc in the feeding scars when the trees
were finally examined were alive, except on the trees sprayed with lead...

HO

arsenate.’ On these trees over 90 percent of the beetles were dead but
death did not occur until the beetles had reached the xylen.

GYPSY MOTH AND BROWN-TAIL MOTH CONTROL

Infestation found near Connecticut-New York State line.--A trew of
agents assigned to spocial scouting in Kent, Litchfield County, Conn., on
February 1 found several gypsy moth egg clusters. outside of.the area
sprayed last season, . ;

New infestation in Pennsylvania quarantined area.--A gypsy moth in-
festation consisting of two egg clusters was recently discovered in the 7h
southern part of Penn Forest Township in Carbon County, Pa. This isolated
infestation, which is near the southern border of the quarontined area, is
only a few miles distant from the site of a colony that was exterminated in
Mauch Chunk Township. several years ago. Eradication of the new infestation
this season is expected, ahs .

. 2 A i

Infestcd areas cleared in proparation for spraying,--Most of the un-=
skilled laborers assigned to gypsy noth work in the Pennsylvania area are
now engaged in piling and burning dead wood and debris in areas where infes-
tation is known to occur. It is fortunate that the absénce of snow permits
an early start on this type of work, as mich remains to be done before the
eggs hatch. Work of this nature cannot be done satisfactorily when the.
ground is covered with-snom, - ; : wet a”

Loose bark in burned-over area retards gypsy moth work.--Gypsy moth
crews working in the northern part of Kidder Township, which is in the
southern part of the Pennsylvania quarantined area, are laboring under nost
trying conditions. A serious forest fire swept. through the section where
wor id in progress in the sumer of 1934, killing practically all of the
trees, An enormous number of trunks and large branches are now covered with
loose bark, which must be removed and examined‘by the scouts. The work is
further complicated by the development of sprouts at the bases of the dead
trees. Dead leaves and twigs, which lodge between the sprouts and the trec
trunks, must be removed in order to‘determine the presence or absence of
gypsy moth infestation, ;

New quarantine regulations in effect in Pennsylvania.--The new quaran-
tine resulaticns promulgated by the State of Pennsylvania Departnent of Agri-
culture concerning the novement of materials likely to harvor the gypsy moth
Became effective on February 15; It has already been possible to reduce the
number of nen employed on inspection and certification work, and a further
reduction in personnel will be possible after the shippers become thoroughly
faniliar with the requirements of the modified regulations,

Shippers and courts cooperate in enforcing Pennsylvanian guarantine.--
Excellent cooperation has been maintained between the officers charged with
enforcing the Pennsylvania State quarantine on atcount of the gypsy moth and
the shippers and property owners within the quarantined area. The courts
) Rave also cooperated in the prosecution of willful violators of the quarantine

KETO!

regulations. There were 3/1 violetions of the quarantine regulations, dur-
ing the calendar year 1937, by persons who were unfamiliar with the re- .
quirements, Each of the first offenders was sent a formal warning by the
State Bureau of plant industry and was officially informed that he would
be prosecuted in case of a second violation. Only eight of the group vio-
lated the quarantine regulations a second time and each was prosecuted,
found guilty, and fined.

Discarded rubbish is a serious problem in Pennsylvania,--A serious
problen in connecticn with the gypsy moth eradication campaign now being
waged in Pennsylvania is the inspection of tin cans, old jars, and other
worthless articles dumped in wooded areas, especially in the residential
sections. The discarding of materials of this nature along river banks is
particularly serious, as it greatly increases the possibility of down-
strean spread of thé gypsy moth during flood periods.

Cheek-up work by Federal and State forces in New Jersey.--The snall
force of W. P. A. emmloyees assigned to duty in New Jersey has completed

scouting work in the area in Mendham Township, Morris County, where a male
gypsy moth was recovered at an assembling cage a year ago last summer, and
they are now working in the adjoining township cf Randolph. The State }
forces are scouting at the sites of infestations located several years ago,
which are apparently exterminated. No evidence of the presence of the
Zypsy moth has been found by ecither W. ‘P, A. or State employees.

Over es million e ogg clusters creosoted Dyin mee --Fron IROL aL 19 9375
to February 19, 1938, C. C. ©. enrollees have creosoted over 2, 685,000
gypsy moth egg clusters. Of these, approximately 2,445,000 were destroyed
in Massachusetts, 2l7, 600: in Vermont, and, 22,000 in Connecticut.

C. C. C, work progran rearranged iin) southwestern Massachusetts. -—
Necessary work at severe infestations in sone of the towns near the barrier
gone, worked by the C. C. C. gypsy moth camp in Westfield, Mass., has re-
tarded progress in that section, and it will not be possible to treat as
large an area’as was anticipated before the eggs hatch. The - program is
being rearranged to ‘concentrate treatment work in the most dangerous infes-
tations during the remainder of the season, and efforts are being made to.
obtain additional men for work in that section, :

Proposed C. C. C. sypsy moth work in Vermont.--Plans have, been nade
for considerable: sypsy moth work by C. Cc. sh (Ol carps in Vermont during the
lith and 12th enlistment periods, which begin April 1, .19%8, and connadane
March 31, 1939. Of a possible 35,000 man-days, 28,000 have been allotted
for gyosy moth work from the Bellows Falls camp. This camp has. also been
moved higher on the priority list. One crew of men for gypsy moth work
has been promised from the Plynouth camp, with the possibility that a second
crew may be madé available during the winter months, Although the Water-
bury comp is loceted within the barrier zone, 1,000 man-days have been al-
‘Lotted for gypsy moth work in towns immediately east of the gone. Five
hundred man-days were promised fron the camp in Brunswick for gypsy moth
“work at a known infestation in Lancaster, N. H,

Je

PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

Slashing and broadcast burning as an upland blister rust control
measure.-—An area of several hundred acres of the 1926 burn in Lamb Creek
on the Kaniksu Forest of Idaho represented such a costly and uncertain con-
trol chance that it was not worked when Ribes were eradicated on adjacent
areas in 1934. Control of the rust by hand-cradication methods on this
area would have boen very costly because of the abundance of Ribes and the
difficult working conditions resulting from a dense tangle of standing and
fallen snags, Ribes, brush, and white pine reproduction. Also there was a
strong probability that another fire might sweep the area and destroy the
white pine. To add to these difficulties it was found that blister rust
infection on the white pine reproduction was well established on the area
and increasing rapidly. As a solution to the problem, the Forest Service
decided to fell the standing snags and burn the area under controlled con-
ditions, so as to eliminate both the fire and disease hazards. An area of
740 acres was covered by men from one 100-man B. BR. A. camp furnished by
this Bureau, In the fall of 1937 the debris was burned and nearly all in-
flammable material on the area was consumed. The burn is expected to
largely eliminate Ribes regeneration on the area. Within 2.to 4 years any
Ribes that may appear can be eradicated and the area can be planted. to
white pine, This method elininated a serious pest and fire hazard and
brought the forest land to a manageable status,

Blister rust notes fron the. Southern Appalachian States.--Blister
rust has been found for the first tine on white pine in Highland County,

Va., three pines being infected. Canker-elinination work was carried out
in Geroge Washington National Forest in Augusta County, Va. Of 3,525

Pines examined, 135, or 3.8 percent, were diseased. Of these, 111 were
treated and 24 removed. In all, 277 cankers were rezoved, all but 5 being
branch cankers. The weather was so moderate in January and February that
495,022 Ribes bushes were destroyed by an average of 255 men working 50,411
hours on 87,161 acres.

Rust observations in Mexico.--During February, FE. C. Staknan and
W. L. Popham observed rust -conditions in four of the six important grain-
growing areas in Mexico. The first stem rust found was on February 11 near
Rio Frio, at an altitude of about 6,000 feet. On February 12 infection was
found to be abundant in some fields both east and north of Tehuacan. There
was a wide variation in the stage of development of crops in the different
fields examined in this area, some being in the rosette staze while others
had reached the boot, and a few were heading to soft dough. Very distinct
Overwintering centers of infection could be found in fields seeded curing
the period September 10 to October 15. The nunver of centers located in
different fields varied considerably. In sone only one or two could be
founc, but in others it appeared that practically every grain plant had be-
come heavily infected with stem rust in the fall and that rust had survived
On from 50 to 75 percent of the plants. In some spots. the fungus had reached
the telial stase. Altnough the prevalence of stem rust in a few of the more
advanced fields between Tehuacan and Orizaba, near Morelia, in the Saltillo
area, and near Sabina Hidalgo approacheec 100 percent, with severity ranging
from 5 to 430 percent, the infection was practically all on the lower parts

-~12~

of the stems and on the lower leaves. Hardly a pustule could be found on
the flag leaves or necks of plants examined, probably owing to cool dry
weather that prevailed for several weeks just prior to the time when obser-
vations were made, Mexican-officials stated that there was much less rust
in Mexico this year than at the same time a year ago. Some of the heaviest.
infection observed was in two fields of durum wheat about 3 miles east of
Tehuacan, It is apparent that the extent to which stem rust will spread in
winter wheat in Mexico this year depends on weather conditions between now
and harvest time. The aggregate amount of rust in Mexico was not great at
the time observations were made, as fields seeded prior to Octover 15 ap- _
peared to constitute only a small percentage of the entire winter wheat crop.
Stripe rust was observed to be a little more widely distributed than stem.
rust, particularly at the higher altitudes. ;

COTTON INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Cotton flea hopper emergence.--K. P. Ewing and BR. L. McGarr, of Port.
Lavace, Tex., report that the first cotton flea hopper nymphs hatching from
overwintering eggs were recorded in the hibernation cages on February 12.
The earliest dates previously recorded at Port Lavaca were February & in
1934 and February 12, 1937. ‘ In February of this year 554 flea hoppers _
hatched, the largest number recorded during this month for the 5 years dur-
ing which records have been made, The maximum and minimum temperatures were
higher, and the mean temperature for the month averaged 61.82° WGA ae) i2,5)
higher than last year. The rainfall was about the same for the 2 years.

On the same date that nymphs were found in the cages, three first-instar and
one second-instar nymphs were found in Croton texensis in the field in the |
light sandy soil area of Calhoun County. ‘This is the first time that posi-
tive evidence has been obtained that flea hopper egsgs hatched in the open
fields before hatching occurred in the cages, During the week ended March 5,
two nymohs matured ‘to adults in the insectary and 11 adults were collected
on C, texensis in the vicinity of Rockport. This is the earliest date that
we hdve ever found flea hopper adults in eastern Texas. aaa :

Rain reducos thrips damage to cotton.—-Last May BE. W. Dunnam and
J. C. Clark exemined the various plants used as cover crops on cotton farms.
and the more important weeds occurring at Stoneville, Miss., to determine
the thrips populations and the importance of these plants for early season
thrips developnent. Most of the cover crops and all of the weeds were in-
fested with thrips, but the vetches were by far the most important host
plants. The early population appeared sufficient to cause serious camage
to cotton. On June 1, after the cotton became larse enough to becorie a
favorable host, samples of 20 plants from each of 44 varieties of .cotton
were examined to determine the thrips population. On June 15 a second ex-
anination of the same varieties was made. At the first examination the
number of thrips ranged from 7 to 55, averaging 28 thrips per 20-plant
sample. At the second examination the range was from 3 to 18, with an
average of 10 thrips per sample. This 65-—percent reduction in thrips popu-
lation resulted in practically no terminal bud destruction in any of the
ui varieties. A comparison of the weather records and the thrips popula-
tion on cotton in 1937 with thoge in 1936, when a high percentase of ter-
minal buds were destroyed, showed that precipitation was the important
factor in the reduction in numbers, In June 1936 rain fell on only 2 days,

: =

-13-

totaling 0.84 inch, whereas in June 1937, rain fell on 9 days, totaling ~
m.23 inches. Most of the rain in 1937 also fell during the period between
the thrips counts. Of the first 15 days, 7 were rainy, with a total of 4.11
inches and a very heavy rain of 1.74 inches on 1 day. Several species of
“tyrips were involvec, but determinztions have not been received.

Hibernating doll weevils in wooas trash,.—-Examinations of woods trash
to determine the number of hibernating »oll weevils found at various dis—
tences from the cotton fields were made by ¥F. F. Bondy at Florence, S, C.,
in December, January, and Februnry. All of the leafnage material and surface
Jitter on the post surface was collected. from 3-foot by 6-foot areas, and.
stored indoors a few days to dry out and permit the weevils to become active.
The material was then passed through a mechanical shaker with screens of ;
different sizes that separates out the large and small trash and reduces the
volume to be examined to one-fourth or less of the original volume. Ten
Samples of surface trash were collected in woods from the edga, at distances
Of 50 feat, 100 feet, and 150 feet from cotton ficlds on each of 6 farms,
or a total of 240 samples from 2,530 sausre fest, and were examined with the
following results

Location > Samples: Be ee CS eee eee aes
“oper Tua’ "uLving + Dead) )sAverase perlacre:
: Number : Number : Number ; lumber
Edge of woods—------ ~ 69 : 6) : : 1,775
50 feet from edge---: GO"e ts 28 : ah : 1,176
100 feet from edge--: 60 : g : 0 : 323
_150 feet from ym edge--: 60 3 12 : Oreees ie
Total------------ > Plo |: &8 ; ers a
Averaze—-——------ ; = ; —=- 3 GUO’. aueee

It will be noted that weevils were found’in largest numbers at the
edze of the woods sand approximately 60 arte chs of the total within 50 feet
Of the edge. This indicates the prebable value of burning the trash along
the edzss of the woods as a means of reducing the weevils, The proportion
Of dead and living weevils found is not an accurate index of the nortality
that hos taken vlace, bvecnuse the dead weevils Cisintegrate and are more
Mitficult to find,

eorly disking and irrigation on on pink bollworm population.-

Le
iment was started in December by BH. S. Cavitt anc 0, @. Bonerreone of
i BEES Laborstory, to determine the effect of early winter disk-
ing and irrigation on the pink bollwornm larvae overwintering in the soil.
Mhis is a cultural practice followed oy farmers who plant oats, wheat, or
Other winter crops in the cotton fields. The cotton stalks were cut and
Burned and on Decenber 15 part of the field was double disked and immediately
irrigated. Examinations cf the soil 2nd surface trash vrior to the disking
Showed on averse cf 34,9 pink tollworm larvae per squaré yard. On February
el, soil samples were again examined and contained an average of 9. 6 larvae
per eauare yard, or a reduction of 72.5 percent. Jn the examinations in the
Check that had not been disked or irrigated an average of U6 larvae were

founc in December and 45.43 per square yard in February, 2 mortality of only

Al

16.7 percent, Althcugh an experiment of this nature is subject to con-
sidersble error, it indicates thet the early winter disking anc Sea
for plenting winter crops increased the pink bollworm morta ‘lity considerably.

rf

- PINK BOLLWORM AND THURSERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

Inspection.--The inspection of green boll semples ot the Se m Antonio, —

ex., labcratory has continued to give negative results. In addition to the
inspection of green bolls, a considercble number of Thurbderia bolls col-
lected in various mountain renges in southern Arizona hove beon inspected
during the past few months. Gin-trash inspection last fall revealed a rather
general pink bollworn nina tells in scuthwestern New Mexico and southern :
Arizona. The only satisfac y explanaticn for this spread of infestation is
that motns were brought in by eae wind currents from infested areas to
the east. Assuming that this was true, it decane important to deternine
whether Thurveria plants growing wild in varicus mountain ranges of southern
Arizona were infested with the pink bollworn. Some 30,000 Thurberia bolls
were inspected and all ranges were found to be infested with Thurberia weevil
in varying degrees, the nighest infesteticn beings about 33 percent and the
lowest abcut 6 percent. Only one specimen of the pink bollvwcrn was found,
this being in bolls collected in the Rincon. Mountains east of Tueson, .Sone
additional inspections will be nade.

Thurberia=plant eracic ate the month 920 acres were gone

>.

over in the Santo Catalina Mountains and eiOD Thuirbe ria plants destrosreds
The above acreage is somewhat gnaller nee that covered curing previcus
Months. This is eve te the fact that the territory covered was exceedingly
rough and some tine was lost because of unfaverable weather. foward ls _the
close of the month ate ‘of the area imnediately adjacent to the carp 1

been completed anc plans were being nace to move to anew-site, This new
site is in the national forest, but is under lease to an incividual, who has
not only granted pernission for the camp te be erected in one cf her pasturess
but has also siven the privilege of getting an adequate supply of water fron
awell adjacent to the new site. Supplies can de trucked right to the camp
instead of having to be carried part way by pack train, as has teen the case
in several previous locations. It is estimated that by hauling the laborers
by truck to and from cam each day the present site cen be used for the next
3 months, without having to go more than 6 or 8 miles from camp.

Wild cotton.—-Very satisfactory progress has been nade in the eradica—
tion of wild cotton in southern Florida. Work was resumed at Cape Sable. tha
first of the ucnth vith six full crews. The area farthest from campeys
being worked first, so that in case of bad weather the crews night 5
to reach areas poene r camp. A considereble number of seedling plants
being founc in the Cape Sable area, vut a rather small percentege of

eo}

heave matured bolls. Considerable @ifficulty has been encountered in cleaning
the keys in Florida Bay, because of shallow water. This area had not been
cleaned in ebout 10 months, ane a gooc many of the plants removed hac naturewm
bolls, but very few coen volls. A camp was established on the Chathan Riverjay

» yf As
in the Ten Thousand Islands section, and the crew has been rencving a large

nunber of seedling plants. A small virgin colony conteining 10 nature plants |
and 9 seedlings was found by this crew. On the upper west coast, all of the

“15

Bradenton section hus been cleaned twice this season. Work has been discon-
tinved for the time being in this section and the men transferred to Cape
Sable. In the Fort Myers section all of the area has been covered once and

a second cleaning is now in progress. Work on the mainland keys is going
forwerd satisfactorily. This section is now in excellent condition and it is
Ybelieved that there will be little trouble in maintaining it. During the
month some 5,300 acres were covered and 277,115 seedling and 55 sprout

Plants were removed. By far the larger portion of these plants was in the
Cape Suble area. In addition to the above work, some 2,200 acres were scouted
without finding any wild cotton.

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Cryolite dusts and sprays control corn ear worm on lina beans.--Results
of an experinent conducted at 5 Gastville, Byaen aS L. W. Brannon, of the Nor-
folk, Va., leboratory, to determine the Sale kre effectiveness of various in-
secticides for control of Heliothis obsoleta (T,) on Fordhook lisa beans show
that cryolite dusts and sprays continue to be the most effective materials
for control of this pest. Of the three commercial brands of cryolite used
in the experinent, imported synthetic cryolite and domestic natural cryolite
appearcd to be about equal in effectiveness, both brands beinz slightly more
effective than a domestic synthetic cryolite. Tale appeared to be equal in
effectiveness to wheat flour es a diluent for cryclite. Of the sorays used,
both imported synthetic cryolite and phenothiazine (4 lbs. to 50 <al. of water)
gave setiscatory control, the 4 to 50 cilution being nore effective than a
3 to 50 dilution in each instance. Nicotine—peat spray gave no control and
caused 2 reduction in the number of ees on the plants at harvest, as. compared
with the untreated plots, . Samples of shelled 2nd unshelled lima ‘beans fron
the plots that had reccived four treatr a of cryolite dusts and sprays were
submitted to the Insecticide eat es for analysis to determine the gquanti-
ties of fluorine residues present. The results of these analyses corroborated
similar analyses made in “1936. Most of the samples of unshelled beans ex-
ceeded the tolerance established for flucring on fruits (0.01 grain per pound),
Whereas most of the residues on the shelled beans were well below this tcler-
ence. These analyses indicate that cryolite may be applied, in the manner
bindicated in these experinenis, without danger of harmful fluorine residues
renaining on the edible parts of the beans, provided such beans are shelléd be-
fore they are consumed.

against the Mexican bean beetle in Ohio.--xperiments per-

rinents agai } in Ohic
formed in 1957 at Scuth Point, oe Pen | Boilachna varivestis Muls. by
N. ¥. Howard and H. C. tlason, of the Columbus, Ohio, labora tory, save the fol-
lowing results with nee varicus insecticices testec: Phenothiazine at 2 pounds
tO 50 zallons cf water gave geod control,. but slight plant injury resvlted;
G@erris, cube, tinbo, and Cevil!'s-shoestrings. gave good control nt a concen-
tration of 0.015 percent rotenone and usually at concentreaticn cf 0.01 per
Cont rotenone. While the use of a varnish sticker with derris and cube in-
creased the degree of control in one instance, no ihcrease covld be noted in
two other exverinents. The use of sulphur with derris or cube sprays, and
StS use as a Ciluent with cust mixtures cf these materials, docs not con-
stently result in improved control in Ohio; however, its use farther east

Nes

usually results in better bean crops. Cryolite spray, 3 pounds to 50 gal-
lons, gave satisfactory control in most cases, but the imported synthetic
eryolite tested was not as good as a domestic natural cryolite or a domestic
synthetic cryolite. Copper cyanide at 3 pouncs to 50 gallons geve fair con—
trol, but mocernte plant injury resulted. Sulphur nitride covld not be
milled satisfactorily for field use, but with the finest material available,
control was fairly satisfectory at 13 ‘pounds to 50 gallons. Poorly milled

material at 7 or 11 ounces to 50 gallons was very poor. Quebracho tannin-
uncombined nicotine and nicotine peat were unsatisfactory, the former being
so poor that beans treated with this material had to be sprayec with a
rotenoie-bearing root to save them, Magnesium arsenate gave good control.
The use of hoods belinc the power duster permitted reduction in dosage with—
out reduction in control.

Residue properties of derris on Deen leaves.--Experinents conducted at
13 Bureau labor=tories from coast to ‘coast, and coordinated by E. A. Fulton
and Mr, Howard, of the Columbus laboratoe incicate that the nost important
factor concerned in the decrease of rotenone from sprayed bean plonts was
rainfall, heavy rains causing greater loss, as would be expected. The loss
in sori was comparatively Slight after 51 days where no rainfall occurred
(Twin Falls, Idaho), but very rapid at Columbus, Ohio, within 4 days, owing
to reinfall. Intense sunlight in the Southwest and the South did not account
Tor as great a loss in toxicity as dic rainfall, although it appears to) be a
factor.

Seasonal occurrence of cabbage worms at Charleston, S. C.--Stucies con-
ducted by W. J.. Reid, Jr., of the Charleston, S. | C., laboratory, on the
seasonal occurrence of the principal species of cabbage worms oe cabbage in
that locality, disclosed that these species, consisting principally of the
imported cabbase worm, the diamondbaci: moth, the cabbage looper, and several
species of Agrotinae (cutvorms) are more cbundent Curing the spring months
than during the fall end winter; that populations of all species cecreased
to a marked extent during the fall, when the mean temperatures are below ap—
proxinately 50° F, and co not increase greatly in the spring until the mean
temperatures are consistently above 60°: that after the plants are thinned or
transplanted the cutworms and the cabbaze looper are the most abundant
species during the fall months and the cabbage looper and the cianondback
moth during the spring; and that there are avout two generations of each of
the major species of cabbage worms curing their more active periods in both
the fall anc spring seasons. F

Beet leafhopper concitions in southern and central Idcoho.-—J. #. -
Douglass ¢ anc his associates at the Trin Falls, idaho, “Laborator y, have sub=- |
nitted the following surmmerized report upon the infornation aaeanlenie at the a
end of February on the probable populations of the beet leafhopper during ;
the spring and early summer in Twin Falls, Jerone, a aon and Cassia Coun=§
ties, south-central Idaho: (1) Precipitation, above normal during April and
May 1937 germinated a dense stand of Russian-thistle, the surmer host plant @
of the beet ae Abnornally dry suzmer weather reduced the suitability

of dense stands r leafhopper development and early fall populstions were the
lowest for the we four seasons, even though the equivalent acreage of

elie

Russian-thistle was the second largest on record. (2) Fall temperatures
above normal, with sufficient precipitation, permitted adequate germina-
tion (about October 24) of mustard, the leafhopper's natural fall and win-
ter host plant. Excessive precipitation in November and December per-
mitted a much more dense and widespread germination near the end of Novem-
ber. Consequently, the beet leafhopper left its holdover host with little
delay and entered the winter under favoreble conditions. (3) Fall surveys
in the Sailor Creek sagebrush area showed the highest late-fall population
in 4 years. (4) The winter was extremsly mild ond in general has been
favorable for survival, being comparable to that of 1933-34, which was fol-
lowed by a season of high leafhopper populations. Recovery from hiberna-
tion cages also indicates a high winter survival. (5) Experience has shown
that an early spring acvences the date of migrstion into the cultivated
areas. It is,: however, possible that if the coming spring shovld be cool
and wet the migration into the cultivated area will be reduced and delayed.
(6) Regardless of conditions, high populetions may be expected in beet
areas very close to leafhopper breeding grounds. (7) As spring conditions
grertly affect leafhopper populations and time of migration into beet
fields, a2 second statement, based on field stucies in the spring, will be
issued later. ;

INSSCTS ArraCTING MAN AND ANIMALS

A new variety of Anopheles crucions Wied. found in Georgic.--¥. V. King,

Orlando, Fla., reports: "Specimens of anopheline laryae showing peculiar
variations in larval characters were collected in Georgia by R. 3. Ballamy
and forwarded to us for identification, In company with Mr, Bellamy, a col-
lection of this form was made by the writer at Quitman, Ga., on February 16
end the material was brought back to the Orlando laboratory for rearing and
study. .Tnae larvae proved to be a distinct variety of A. crucians and are
readily distinguishable from the tio other forms of this species,"

Phenothiazine as a mosquito larvicide.--Mr. King also states: "A scries
of larvicidal tests was carried out witn phenothiazine dissolved in sule
phonated oil and acetone in the proportions of 1-20-5. In catch-bnasin
tests, using a phenothiazine dilution of 1-500,000, the treatients gave mor-
talities (within 24 hours) of from 85 to 100 percent, with an averaze of
95 percent in 11 tests. At a dilution of approximately 1-1,000,000 the
mortality ranged from 50 to 87 percent, with an averrze of 68 percent in
four tests. It was evident, therefore, that a considerably higher concen-
tration was required to cestroy the larvae than that indicated bv the labora-
tory tosts, in which dilutions of 1-2,000,000 were effective vith tub-reared
larvae. Frou further lebdoratory tests in-which larvee fro: the two sources
were compared, both in catch-basin water and in tap water, it was found
that the larvae from the catch basins gave variable results but were generally
much nore resistant to poisoning with this material. This is somewhat compara-
ble with the results obtained last year with larvae reared on an artificial
diet of yeast and dried blood,"

Activity of screwworm flies.--D. C. Parman, of the Uvalde, Tex., labora-
tory, reports: "The survey traps indicate that Cochliomyia anericana C. and P,
was practically exterminated during the summer in the southern areas in which

Ike

traps &re operatec, viz at Catarina, Laredo, Hebbronville, Alice, and
Tiree Rivers, Lex. in a catch since Auzust 19357 has there been more than
ene or two flies in any of these traps, none has been taken since December,
and only one fly vas taken in December. From the last screwvorm control xe-
ports, it is indicated that there were infestations of C, americana building
up in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties. The trappings have indicated that —
ee conditions have been very favorable for build-vp of C. nmacellaria a
There were 15 quarts of flies taken at Larcdo in January and Ty percent ¥
Coch ee a. We have completed Laredo, Hebbronville, and Alice traps re
Fobruary auc. they took 21, 26, and 19 quarts of flies, respectively, and
approxinately 90 percent were C. macellaria. "'

ae

nN

Screwvorm abundance.--C. ©. Deonier, Tempe, Ariz., revorts: "In Ari-
zone. (hie: americana wae taken at Bumble see anc Wickenburg during the latter
haif of Jamiary, and at Hassayampa during the first part of February. C.
amnericane was also taken at Nogales age during the latter half of Februe
ary. A consideravle outbreak of screwvorms was indicated by examinetion madey
in the Yuma area on February Nesta alae a Aedone rauming os high there as 20 to
30 perccnt.' A few cases of screwrorns have been reported throuzhout the
area worked during the winter."

Derris powder effective agains’ | cattle Lice,--R, WY. Wells, Ames, Iowa,

% derris powder dilutcd bv tripoli earth to 1/16
o£ 1 percent roten nodequate to Jrill all the lice, but some dead lice
yore found. From this t, and iniview of the ocr ae a erformed last year,
it is concluded that Gilution should not be greater than 1/8 of-1 percent
rotenone, Because of the smoll difference in cost uk rotenone content, y/o
of 1 percent is judged to be the proper dilution for general, recom ‘ondatcens
Such & content would compensate for lack of thoroughness in apeticat Gand

reports: "It was found tha
no

FOREIGN PLANT QUARANTING

Mail inspections increase,—--Durin? the last 2 yoars a ees has been *

made through the cooper ration of the Postrl snd Custons Services for oa better
eoveroge of foreign nail for plent—quarantine expnination. Coineiacntatiems
we have beon striving to bring abcut the use of the Se ae mail
tags for authorized mail shipn jonve of foreign plant material end a corresponde
ing decrease in. the amount of unauthorized plant materia 1 forwarded to this
country by mail, That these ees eve achieving results is shown by the
fact that during the fiscal year which closed June 20, 1937, a total oF
249,583 foroism mail packazes wore inspected, as compszred with 107,450 pack=
ages for the year ended crea 30, 1935, the eae complete year prior to plac
ing the present special caphasis con this puose of our regulatory work, These
figures snoy that more es eaae are brougny tc our attention than was q
formerly the case, and the credit is cue to the acded interest and efforts of
the plant quarantine inspectors and to the personnel of the Postal and Cus-—
tons Serviccs. :

New fungus on plwa,-—-On Hooruary 16 Septobasidiun prunophiiwa Couch was q

‘found covering arge patches’ of a plum bronch fron Jepan in- the Fisnishines
of a Jopanese boat at Philadelpiia, This fungus grows over scalc insects and

oe

does nct infect the plant itself. The Largo patches of brewm fungus with
light borders are quite showy. The species is based on material collected
in Japan by R. Kent Beattie. As tho article in which the specics is de-
scribod was in galley proof when our naterial was received for ccufirmation
of the determinstion, Mr. Couch said tha name night be used in the News
Letter.

Weevil in barnboo sla ats.--Tro larvac, two pupae, and four adults of
Bucelondra sotulosa, fosa Gyll. wero intercep ted at Washington, D. o., on August
noe ey Aa in bamboo slats in cnses containing orchids (Cattle va sp.) in

express from Colombia. L. L, Buchanan renarks as follows: | 'Yornerly Sito-
philus setulosus Gyll. -So far as mown this is the first record of S. setu-
Tosa, fron bamboo. Previous data, (cn pin. labels om other specimens in
National Museu) indicate thet the species may be associated with banana
alsc." <A, G. Boving reports that ths larvae and pupae are new to the :
National Museun collection.

Gntomological inter eptions of intcrest.--Ten living larvee of the
Mexicon 71 fruLt fly \anas trephe ludens Loew) wore interceptec at Nogales,
eriz., on May 15, 1 O37, in a single — nengo in bagsage from Mexico. Forty-—
four living larvae of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata ae )
arrivec at Mobile, Aln., on December 40, ae in six tanzerires in ship's

stores fron Portugal. A living leeva of e Japanese beetle (Popillia
Japonica Newi.) was taken at Nev ae Ge a ee 10, 1957, in “soil around
the roots of chrysantherun: in cargo fro apan, eaooiaens Of Cardin's

whitefly (Aleurocicus (netaleurodicus) cardini Back) were intercepted at
Miani, Fla., on on Decenber ify V95T, on “a suave . leaf in passenzer's basgage
frox Cuba. A living specimen of Actinothrips trichaetus Hd. was found at
New Orleans on October .29, 1937, with with banena cebris in cargo from Nicaragua.
A living specinen of the coreid Cholinidea hunteri Han. was taken at

logales, Ariz., on Noverver 24, 1957, on a cactus i i(Cledts caret) schottii)
stalic in cargo from Mexico. <A living larve cf the turnip gall weevil
(Ceutorhynchus plourostigna Marsh.) arriveé at Philadelphia on January 1,
in a turnip in ship's stores from Germany. A living specimen of the Saree
Pranklinicolls lilivora Kur. was intercepted at San Francisco ou,Decembver 1,
12379 on a bulb of Lilium sp. in the neil from Japan. A living sadeiusa of
the lyzaeic Perigenes “dispositus Dist. was found at Brownsville, Tex., on
eka: 30, 19357, on husk tonato > (Phys: rsclis sp.) in baggage from ents Sean
Livin: specimen of Bruchus chinensis L. arrived at Honolulu, Hevaii, on
Noebruaty 5, 1935/7, with rec Deans in baggace frori China. Three eine larvae
of the olethreutid Laspeyresia splendana Hon, were intercepted at Chicago,
I11., on November 8, 1937, with chestnuts in the mail from It-ly.

: athological interceptions of interest.--Our first interception of a
plant disease on statice was an undetermined species of Cercospora on
Statice arneria in bageaze froz Guatemala and taken at the Brownsville air-—
port on Fobruary 11. Cercosporella sp. was found on Laelia sp. in a ship-
nent of orchids from Mexico on May 20, 1957, at San Francisco, Brysiphe

‘unbelliferarun De Bary wes intercepted for the first time on February 7 at
Philadelphia on parsnip se

pa eds in a shipment from Holland, , Fusicladium de-
pressun (3B. & Br.) Sacc. was found on fennel seeds ina shipnont fron 1 Union
of Soviet Socialist Republics on May 17 at New York. Glocosporiun euon;mi-
colum Henmi wes found at Seattle on Ausust 31, 1937 on Suonymms foliage fron

ESI

Japan, for the first time since 1931. Hormodendrun cladosporioides (Fres. )
Sacc. was intercepted for the first time on January 21 at New York on to-
matoes from France. Macrophoma sp. (no species reported as occurring on the
host) was intercepted at New York on an Ismene plant in baggage fron

Azores on June 4, 1937. Phonnatospora sp. (no species described on Camellia)
was intercepted on a shipment of camellia plants from Japan on January

at San Francisco. Phyllosticta laeliae Keissl. was intercepted on a number
of plants of Laelia sp. in a shipment of orchids from Mexico, May 21, 1937,
at San Francisco. P, ruborum Sacc., first interception, was found on rasp-—
berry cuttings from Switzerlanc on Novenber 27, 1937, at Baltimore. Sep-
toria weisii Allesch., first interception, was found on chervil (Cheerophyl-
lum bulborun) from Italy on January 18 ot Philndelphia. A fungus found on
bark of a log of Cryptocarya palnerstoni fron Australia on November 10,
1937, at New York has been determined doudtfully as Sphaeronena talcahua-
nense Speg., since the spores were narrower than the description calls for.
Thielavia basicola (B. & Br.) Zopf was intercepted on sweetpotato fron
Japan for the first time on February 27 at Philadelphia.

DOMESTIC PLANT QUARANTINES

Grasshopper control work being rapidly organized.--Field offices have
been established at 707 Thorpe Building, Minneapolis, Minn., as headquarters
for the grasshopper control work in 24 Western States. B. M. Gaddis and
the field project leader, W. B. Dove, are contacting State committees and
State leaders and organizing the campaign. The emphasis in this year's con-
trol program is on crop protection and the work will be carried on in the
sane manner as in previous years. Activities will be conducted on a county,
township, or community basis and will include the treatnent of highways and
uncultivated lands. The States have been,circularized as to quantities of
bait naterial remaining on hand from last year, points of delivery for early
shipnents, storage facilities, mixing stations for poison bait, and ne-
chanical spreaders available. An early survey will be nade of the nynphal
stage of the insect, and later of the adult and ege stages. This work will
be under the supervision of R. L. Shotwell. <A recent Departnental press re-
lease says: "Unless conditions unfavoradle to grasshopper development inter-
vene, heavy infestations of the pest may be expected in 24 States from —
Michigan to the Pacific coast and from the Canadian border to Mexico," ‘The @
season in northern Texas and, Oklahoma is reported to be about 2 weeks earliem
than usual, With initial shipments of bait materials made early, work }
started early in each State, and it is onticipated that the work, if vig-
orously pursued, will effectively aid in preventing crop losses from grass=
hoppers...

Field leader selected for Mormon cricket control.--Claudce Yakeland, on
leave from Idaho, has been selected as field leader of the project on Mormon
cricket control for the curation of the project. His headquarters are in

_the Newhouse Building, Salt Lake City, Utah. Control measures found effectiv
in the past--the use of poison dust--will be employed and the program will
emphasize crop protection, with activities placed on a county, township, or 5
community basis,, the same as for grasshopper control, The States of Coloradoy|
Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming face heavy infestations of™
Mormon crickets in 1938. State leaders estimate crop losses from the cricket)
in 1937 at approximately $398,000. q

=i

States vitally interested in new projects.--The Mormon cricket and
grasshopper control activities were recently discussed with representatives

of 6 Western States while attending a conference at Salt Lake City, and all
showed. keen interest and activitiy in setting up the local organizations
and getting the work uncer way.

White-fringed beetle field office moved.--A field office for the
white-fringed beetle control project was recently established in the Gates
and Cook Building, Gulfport, Miss. Other offices are maintained at Florala,
Ala., Laurel, Miss,, Pensacola, Fla., and New Orleans, La., the last being
in the State Department of Agriculture and Immigration, 3925 South Carroll-
ton Avenue.

Work in white-fringed bectle areas.--Activities in February were de-
voted principally to contacting farmers as to cultural practices and to
clean-up work in the infested tovms, in order to prepare areas for trap
crops or for burning or dusting. At New Orleans, where no control work has
previously been done, an engineer is laying out ditch lines ond a 6—man
crew is cleaning up the area. <A recent meeting was held in that city at
which colored motion pictures of the beetle were shown and a talk on control
measures was given by one of the project representatives. The meeting was
attended by members of two large industrial plants in the infested area, a
railway official, sheriff, State representatives, a farm agent, and others,
all of whom agreed to assist in-control work, In the Florala, Ala., area,
contacts with farmers agreeing to leave unplanted 10—foot strips around
fields and between rows and to eradicate weeds along fence rows, has been
speeded up in four counties in the infested area in Florida and Alabana by
the employment of additional men, Four men are working Laurel, Miss., and
obtaining signed agreements of property owners to,linit gorden growing.
This work is furthered by State officers and county agents running newspaper
articles in local papers. Control work at Gulfport, Miss., carried on by
five men, is facilitated by a city ordinance authorizing such activities as
spraying, burning, trap—crop planting, and forbidding the public to graze
cattle in the city linits. At Saucier, Miss., where an infestation of
Naupactus similar to the white-fringed beetle was found last year, 15 nen
are clearing away uncerbrush, and farmers are cocperating 100 percent in,
the control program. The clean-up work at Pensacola, Fla., has been cone
pleted in the infested area with the assistance of city officials and is
being extended to adjacent city blocks.

Public cooperating in white-fringed beetle campaign,.--Citizens
throughout the infested areas are showing a public-spiritead attitude in the
campaign against the beetle. Meetings are participated in by farmers,
school principals, industrial groups, chagbers of commerce, county agents,
extension workers, anc State officials. Froject leaders, in response to re-
quests, have exhibited motion pictures and discussed the work before meet-

ings of entomological clubs in Mississippi and Texas,

if
i

Equipment for white-fringed beetle work,--Five spray machines of 2, 3,
5, 8, and 10—horsepower have been purchased, They are being used in spray-
ing oil to kill vegetation on areas where eradication has been carried on and
will be used later in the season for spraying arsenicals when adult beetles

-20~

are feeding. Two miles of galvanized aivaitee | have been obtained for
barrier purposes, Five carloads of tank trucks, trailers, flame—throwing
units, tractors, plows, and other equipment, have been transferred fron
the Japanese beetle project at New Cumberland, Pa. A mobile shop, office
furniture, a caterpillar tractor, and a shrcoud=burning outfit have been
transferred cr loaned from other projects, Machinists are tests the
equipment to meet topographic. conditions, Pyroligneous acid and oil have
been donated by commercial concerns for experimental purposes. Pine—tar —
extract is being tested as a weed killer. Maps of all farms in, the in- |
fested area are being completed, showing details as to crops or other
ground cover, location, and acreage.

Phony peach and peach mosaic Gisease control.--Officials of States
infected with the phony peach disease, whose activities contributed to the
marked reduction of the disease in LOM are preparing to increase such
activities in 1938. During the past season the various States assigned 31
inspectors to the phony peach project and the. Bureau exployed 6u inspectors.
In the States infected with peach mosaic sinilar noises were carried on
and a peach nosaic committee was formed of growers and State officials.
Work carried on by on average of 179 relief employees in February in the
States of Alabama, Arkansas, Califcrnia, Colorado, Georgia, New Mexico,
Tennessee, and Texns, effected the destruction of 97,000 abandoned and e

aped peach trees, as well as trees found infected in the inspection season
of 1937. Most of the large abandoned orchards in the infected area in
California, for which waivers have been signed, have been removed, and
waivers are continuing to be signed.

Soil Conservation Service aids peach riosaic program,--The Indian Ser-
vice has been Drovided with if 500 peach nursery trees by the Soil Conserva—
ticn Service to replace diseased trees on Indian pueblos in New Mexico, on.
condition that all mosaic trees are removed from the pueblos, and word is ~
received that agreements are now being made to remove the diseased trees
The need of familiarizing the growers in the State with the mosaic nee
tion is. being met through contacts with farmers, aided by county agents.

States make important. « chanzes in peacn mosai c_quars intines,--One of
the principal changes in the standardized State gq. See eee relg iting to
the peach mosaic disease now being revised to include new areas, is the re-
duction of the 5-nile sanitation zones around nurseries growing peach
tock. During the 1937 inspection season thorough inspection was nade of
the 5-rnile zones surrounding 226 nurseries and budwood sites in the 7 in-
fected States, representing a coveraze of 16,950 square miles, Observa-
tions of the disease in the several infected areas over a period of years,
particularly e as to spread from -vear to year, have led to the belief that
the 5-mile inspection zone ney be safely reduced to 1 mile, and several
States have adopted this provision as standard in current revisions of the
quarantines. To the host list is added plun, and the movement of such
stock is prohibited since certain species have been found to be symptonless™
carriers of the disease, The quarantines, as heretofore, place restrictions |.
shipnents from the infected area within the State issuing the quarantine,]|'
as well.as upon their entry from regulated areas of other States,

—23-

Progress in sweotpotato weevil con se --An analysis of the sweet—
potato weevil work shows that during the 5s months since the project was be-
gun to the close of the year, 97 counties hove been surveyod in 5 States,
in cooperation with these States The area constitutes a belt ranging fron
southern Georgia through ou ROS flabama, central Mississippi, central
Louisiana, and northesstern Texas. Thirty counties have been found to be in-
fested. Nearly 30,000 properties were inspected, 2,500 of which were found
to be infested. The work was intensive in the knovm infested aree 13, includ
ing a 5-mile radius of pronerties where the weevil was found, and "spotted"
in the outlying APCS. Bradication activities have been concentrated on the
lightly infestsd areas, To this end sanitary measures and cultural practices
have deen carried out in 16 counties. Vines were romoved from the fields be-
fore harvest, sveetpotatoes were culled before storage, fields were ‘replowed,
storage houses cleaned, seed tubers selected, .old seedveds. eran
sites selected for new ones, and weevils trapped in the..cleaned fields: Of
the 630 acres planted in the eradication arcas, 95 percent have been re~
plowed during the winter. Disnosal.of tubers normally held -by growers for
seed the following spring,. amowitinzg in many ingtances to 2,000 bushels,
was the greatest problem in the. eradication work, At the insistence of in—-
spectors, however, 85 percent ‘of the sweétpotatoes stored on infested
properties have been fed to livestceck and those on adjacent properties have
been confined to local markets for food. State inspectors experienced in
the sweetpotato weevil work have greatly assisted the activities in the
various States. A uniform quarnntine on sweetpotato weevil infestations was

, drawn up :t the February meoting in New Orleans of the Southern Plent Board

and .the quarantine is being adopted by the various infested States. ..:
W. R. Heard in charge of citrus-canker project,--lir. Heard has been.

s field leader of-citrus canker eredication activities, with ‘head—
quarters at 315 Citizens State sank Suilding, Houston, Tex.. He has been
omployed in this Sureauv since 1921 and has successfully conducted field
activities on projects relating to the pink bollworm, tropical and sub-
tropical insect investigetions, Mexican fruit fly, and-eitrus canker,

Citrus canker activities.--It was necessary to close the Federal .in-
spection work in Louisiana the last of Februor ry, following an intonsive
inspection with the force increased by: 10 inspectors of whom 3 were cm-
ployed by the State. All properties which have been found infected with
Citrus esnker since 1945 were carefully covered, as vere the-5-mile .zones
surrounding. them. The bayous and canal levees near the water's odge were
reached jin a boat and inspected much better than could have Ke dene on
foot. . Aerial photos were used.to locate old ho..e sites in marshes. Zvory
property, fence row, and ditch benk was covered in each & manner that every

itrus tree was found anc inspected if-it was humanly pessible to do so. Ne
canker was found in the State in February. The few “Lee ees and escaped
Citrus trees found were destroved. The State of Louisiana will continue the
services of tyo inspectors formerly on the federal roll. ‘ork is continued

in: Texas, and citrus cenker was recently found cn one small secdling of

o

Citrus trifoliata in Hamshire, Jefferson County, in an area where 625 trees
Sa er —-f -- . : = Pa
were found infected in the winter of 1935-36. Not since Anril 1936 hod

canker been found in the county.

en,

Transit-inspection activities.--Transit inspectors report that shipping
of nursery stock was showing ar an increase the latter part of February in the ©
Northeast and Middle West, but that Texas citrus fruit shipments were de-
clining. During the month of February transit inspection was carried on at |
20 of the more important railway terminals throughout the United States, and
7{f,125 shipments moving via express, freight, and parcel post were in-
spected, and 152 of them were found to be moving in violation of Federal
quarantines, ;

DIVISION CF CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

Electric soil-heating cables for controlling temperature in insect-

earing cages.--F. H, Babers, of the Beltsville, Md., laboratory, has found
ane eEE soil-heating cables with thermostatic control satisfactory as a
method of controlling temperature in cages used in rearing southern arny-
worms. Thirty-foot lengths of cable are buricd in loose sand in the bottom
of each cage. -These cages, designed by P. A, Woke, are approximately 49 by
27 by 16 inches, with glass sides and a fine-mesh metal-cloth top. With
the outside temperature between 50° and 55° F., the cage temperatures were
maintained at 80° + 5°. a

Effect of dict on resistance of nosquito larvae.--An interesting study
has just been made of the effect of 13 diets on the resistance of mosquito
larvae to nicotine, rotenone, and phenothiazine. A. M. Phillips, of the Sansa
ford, Fla., laboratory, reports that by feeding various diéts to different
groups of larvae it was possible to cause a variation of 75 percent in the
mortality of fourth-instear larvae resulting from nicotine and rotenone. Theg
variation in the results from phenothiazine was not as great, because the
concentration used was high enough to cause complete mortality in most’ casesy
In general, the better diets caused a more rapid rate of growth and resulted
in more resistant larvae. It was noted, however, that the diets did not
heave the sane effect with all three insectidides or, in other words, the lar-
vee nost resistant to rotenone were not the most resistant to nicotine or
phenothiazine.

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS

An important rice pest identified.--lloths reared from rice and sub- |
mitted by Belisario Losaca, chief of the department of economic entomology
of Colombia, were identified by Carl Heinrich as Rupela albinclla (Craner).
This species belongs to an American genus of white motns, all similer in

appearance and identifiable only by their genitalia. Until recently they
covld not be naned with any certainty. RK. albinella is distributed through- 7
out Céntral and South America and appears to be the major pest of rice in
the American tropics. Dr. Losada states that in the department of Valle,
Colombia, it has caused serious damage to the crop. Specimens of an egg pards
site of this lepidopteron, which accompanied the moths, have been determined ™

=o

by C. F. W. Muesebeck, after preliminary examination, as opparently iden-
tical with Tolenomus (Phanurus) rowani Gah., which has previously been
known only from the Philippine Islands and Formosa, where it parasitizos
the egvs of another rice pest, Schenobius incertellus Walk.

Changes in the scientific nanes of two sawflies.--In the Bureau
News Letter for Fevruary 1937 (vol. IV, no. a distribution record was
given for a spruce sawfly under the nene of Pachynenmatus alaskensis Rohwer.
This species has recently been transferred to mother genus and should now
be called Pikonema alaskensis (Rohver). It has also been taken in New

Brunswick anc Quebec, as well as other localities between these and British
Columbia, on Picea engelmanni, P. canadensis, and P. mariana. Pachynenatus
ocreatus (Harrington), the references to which usually apply to P. alas—
Kensis, is no longer valid, as it is a synonym of Pilonena dinnockii (Cres-
son). The purslane sawfly, which has usvally been known under the name
Schizocerus zabriskei Webster ond Malley, should, as a result of the synony—

Iiizing of the genus Schizocerus with Storictiphora, be called Sterictipkora
(Leston) zabris!xiei Giebster and Malley), the subgenus Leston having been
recently proposed for this species.

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UNITED STATES \ . gay7 1938

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. A

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BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

FOR MARCH 1938

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FRUIT INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Daily flight period of: Cnemeplstia sericea Horn,--This small tene-_
brionid was taken in considerable numbers in a fig orchard in a series

of collections made by Dwight F. Barnes, of the Fresno, Calif., labora-
tory, in 1937. It is a minor pest of fallen figs. The remarkably short
daily flrght period of the beetle was, shown by collections made at 15-
Minute intervals from a motor-driven net revolving horizontally at a
height of 3 feet and at a speed of 26 miles per hour, The time of flight
was.cridently controlled by light intensity, which was measured by means
of a photoelectric exposure meter. The SCIEN GUE tuble combines the
records of 6 evenings--July 20 and 22 and September 7, 14, 17, and 23,”
and shows the number of C, sericea taken at various light values with a
rotary net at Round Mountain in 1957.

Light value : C. sericea taken3: Light value :C. sericea taken
Foot candles: Number : Percent:: Foct candles: Number :Percent
SS : —_——— oe - —_-__oC-:lCC- —_—_— -—_—- -——-

160--------- @) : 0,0 $3: 5,2-------- ‘ 2 Hime Ole
SGesse= ee or G : 0 32 2/5-------~-- : Oph Sra @
Oe S225 eee as. : Ss ie Ome ees CHATS Has ae IS as
20--------- et, Ata) : 0-88 .G-------- ty (FD). 69.53
10--------- ba ee! : ol l.tt:) s25------- ede ap Sebel

Ueeece sees 6 : oO 3: .0-------- : bea BSS
jesse ese “i aa: : anes Total----:1,119 7100.06

——

Ethylene dichloride and Seow ee sthyl ether for peach borer con-
trol.--Oliver I. Snapp and J. R. Thomson, Jr., of the Fort Valley, Ga.,
eboratory, have reported further work on ethylene dichloride and dichlo-
rethyl ether for the control of Conopia exitiosa Say. In experiments with

dug nursery stock 2. 2,5=percent enulsicn of ethylene ee gave a
control ranging from 94 to 100 percent; a 3=percent strength gave from 98
to 100 percent control. The data in hena from 4 years! wonle +3 indica ite that
peach borer larvae can be elininated from dug nursery stock by spraying

the soil packed and settled around bundles of stock heeled in an upright
position with 2.5-or 3—-percent ethylene dichloride emulsion at the rate of
2 quart to each 15 trees. The treatment should be made in cry soil while
the nursery stock is fully dormant. In the experiments with orchard trees,
ethylene dichloride emulsion applied in midwinter during a period of un-
usually cold weather did not give as good results as in previous experi-
Ments during periods of moderate or nornal midwinter conditions in the
Scuth, when good results have been obtained, Dichlorethyl ether, a

ote

water-soluble material, gave remarkably good contrel of the peach borer a
in orchard trees during nmidwinter, confirming results of previous experi- a
ments waich indicated that this material has its greatest effectiveness
against the borer and the greatest safety on peach trees during cold
weather, With dug nursery stock, -dichlorethyl ether at the rate of 2/3 of
a quart of approximately l-percent solution to five trees gave only partial
control and slight injury to the bark of several trees treated,

Zmpirical dcosage-survival curve impractical in Japanese beetle scil-
poison tests.--W. E. Fleming, of the Japanese bectle laboratcry at Moores-
town, N. J., has just submitted a report on studies he has made of the pos
sibility of using an empirical dosage=-survival curve as a standard of in-
seciticidal effectiveness in tests with stomach-poison insecticides against
larvae of the Japanese beetle in soil. In work of this kind it has been
the practice to conduct parallel tests of the new materials and of a standard
insecticide at the same time under controlled conditions. Freshly applied
acid lead arsenate has been used as the standard of insecticidal actim. Dur-
ing the period from October 20, 1933, when this procedure becane standardized,
to January 17, 1938, data have been obtained on the acid lead arsenate stand-
arcs for 55 series of tests. <A statistical study has been made of this ac-
cunulation of cata in the hope of developing an. ompirical curve that could
be used as the standard, instead of running lead arsenate tests in connection
with each series, Analysis of variance has shown, however, that the varia-
tion between the standard lead arsenate treatments run at different times
was much greater than coulc be accounted for by’randon sampling and that the
survivals in the different standards were significantly different. It was
therefore concluded that an empirical standard dosage-survival curve could
net be substituted for parallel tests of the lead arsenote standard, in de-
ternining the effectivencss of a material as a stomach poison against lar-
vae of the Japanese beetle in the soil.

ie

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: \K
MEXICAN FRUITFLY CONTROL 1a

Catches of Mexican fruitfly increase.—-Shipment and canning of fruit ;
continue ina satisfactory manner. TFruit fron infested parts of groves is
being sterilized before shipment is permitted. Trap catches of Anastrepha E
ludens Loew increased from 71 in February to 114 in March. From the ap-
pearance of these flies it is evident tnat many of them were young and had a
recently.emerged. Larvae were found in grapefruit on 121 premises through- a
out the month. As was to be expected with a telow-normal fly population, .
the number of properties found infested this month is approximately only i
one-ninth as great as for the same period last season. The oumbers of fruit-
flie;: “dentifiod in March are shown in the following sable. :

Species : Texas ; Mexico _
Adults : ;
A. ludens------ +------------------- : 119 : Tf
Premises=—--------~--—-=--_---— : (5 bs ueet 10
A, serpentina Wied------- ---------- : Gy eae .6
SERGaig i eeese = SEee eee =! bats 6
A. sp. "L"----~ ++ ----------------- —3 2 : iL
MOR Ouse Gane eee ee ee ee : Batas ail:
A. sp. "Y"------------------------- : ta : 29
Premises------------ '_--------- —3 10 H 3
A. pallens Cog--------------------- : 309s 62
Premises--------~----=-~--~-----=-3 JEG {O) tac 12
T. curvicauda Gerst----------------: 6 $ 1
ORI emis sear Sos mseaee os : Lreaices 9” Fill
Total ine Sten Se Se ee See Hl OStuL mee HOT,
Larvae a ny aia
A. ludens------~----------~---------- : 1, 704 : al
” “EWeuieeGhe-S¢ sea e eee ees ° AL2aL : 1/ iL
Pee «pny Udon SoS o> SSeS phere JOr Teta ce Sem
SS ae ee Se en eee eee 27) say zg

LU sron narket fruit in Matamoros.

CEREAL AND FORAGE INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Bstinated damage by the sugarcane borer in 1937.--J. W. Ingram, W. E.
Haley, and L. J. Charpentier made a joint survey with L. O. Ellisor, of the
Louisiana Experiment Station, University, Lo., during the harvesting season
of 1937 to determine the extent of borer injury to sugarcane in Louisiana.
Counts of borer-infested internodes per 100 stalks were made on 3 commonly
grown varieties of sugarcane in 2 locntions in each of 10 representative
areas. The average percentage of internodes found infested was 16,05 and
of stalks infested, 63.47.. In sinilarly conducted surveys 8.7 percent of
the internodes were found infested in 1936 and 8.1 percent in 1935. Fron
these and procuction figures, it is estinated that sugar farmers in Louisiana
lost over $3,000,000 in 1937 as a result of borer injury.

Insecticidal control of en e borer in summer-planted cane.--In
cooperation with Dr. Sllisor, Messrs. Tee Haley, and Charpentier conducted
prelininary experinents with ares cryolite (86 percent sodiun fluoalu-

Minate), naturel cryolite (90 percent sodiun fluosluiinate), and bordeaux

alecium arsenate (34 percent arsenic pentoxide and 10 percent copper sulphate)
as insecticides for the sugarcane borer on sugarcane planted in Avgust 1937.
Duplicate 16-plot Latin-square experinents were conducted with plots 1/20
acre in size. Dusts vere applied at weekly intervals fron pee 2 to
November 18. Exaninations were nade Of 211 borer-killed plants on the inner
198 row foet of Bees plot 3 times at 3-week intervals, beginning on October 4.
On Deceiiber 2-and 3 final examinations were made, ia all jointed plants

in the same area included in previous exaninations were exanined for borer

ie

injury and stages. No injury was found in the nonjointed plants. A sun-
mary of results of eu examinations follows.

Reserve plantation experinent 5.8 Racelend plantatic ion nm experinont _
s Lore! on > Un- H Gunton nroul, 9 8
Plots : borer ‘Total sinfested:: boror- : Total .: Uninfested
sinfesteds: borer : jointed:s:infested: borer : jointed
i plants istages : plants:: plants ¢: stages 3 __ plants
: Nunber :Number : Number :: Number : Number : Munber
Synthetic - $ 3 $ 8 : H
Cryolapec =i smn smn Ounce ee mi iem mnecieen ante Me video 8 184
Natural : Gis : sts : H
eryolite=s—— sie a: en msi Gone i: momar Sinentss 193
Bordeaux : His : she ; H
Callyears ==) SOT Wis 5S Olas shill GnO Mineo ies kC reenter Geena 112
Check-------~ iT NSS ieh Ty eMail PIS) OO a esa) Xia) S 109

|
|
|
|
|
|

|

When analyzed statistically, the number of borer-infested plants in
both sets of cryolite plots was found to be highly significantly less than
in the check plots in each experinent,

JAPANUSE BERTLE CONTROL

Cortification of nursery steck,--hild weather toward the end of March
permitted early digzing of nursery stock in nost sections of the regulated
area. In the New York City district four carloads of evergreens were
certified’ for movement tc nonregulated territory end several truckloads of
certified plants were exchanged by classified De enee eae) Inspection
calls in this area totaled 635 for the month, as compared to 290 in March
1937. Nurserynen in the Pees aa district have been able to ship large
mirsory stock to tyetes points almost continuously since last fall. Many

arly spring orders for pe Se plants and small nursery stock were shipped 4)
from this area .in ee Seven oe eae inspectors were added to the New
Jersey force to help with the rush of work attending the certification of
el carloads of nursery stock, Approxinately y 250,000 asparagus roots were also |

ertified for Sena ae on Nev Jerscy. «At cne establishment the inspector
found five Japanese bectle larvae in cavities in the asparazus roots. Quaen-
tities of rhodod endrons and azaleas were treated with paracichlorobenzene, a
nethod which is still inercasing in favor with nurserwyien desiring certifica—
ticn for these species.

Certificate of merit for Division's exhibit at St. Lovis.--A certifi-
ente of merit was awarded to the Division for its comprehensive exhibit of
@ivisional activities at the Greater St. Louis Flower Show, held in the St.
Louis, Mo., arena from March 26 to April 3. J.C. Silver,.or the Bloomrieta,
N. J., field headquarters! staff, supervised the assembly of the exhibit at
St. Louis and was in attendance during the 9 days of the exhibit to answer
questions and distribute litcrature. He was assisted by 0. K. Courtney, a
representative of the Division, who is stationed at St, Louis,

-5-

Soil-conservation payments stimulate sale of fruit trees.--Orders
for plants of small fruits and for fruit trees to be shipped from nur-
series on the Hastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia have tripled this
year, owing, it is reported, to the distribution of Government benefit
payments to farmers.

Second offender fined $100,--On a plea of gailty to an information
containing six counts, involving shipments lacking Japanese beetle cer-
tification extending over a period of 3 years, the proprietor of a nursery
at Hammonton, N. J., was fined $100 in the United States District Court
at Canden, N. J., on March 18. On May 28, 1928, this nurserynan plesdod
guilty to an information involving one uncertified shipment. At that tine
he was fined $50. In imposing the $100 fino,’ tho Court warned the nursery-
man that in case of further convictions it would probably be necessary to
add some confinenent to tho fine.

Bidivisional beetle exhibit at International Flower Show.--Valuable
space on the first flocr of Grand Central Palace, New York City, was
assigned to the Bureau for a Japancse beetle exhibit at the International
Flower Show, from March 14 to 19. Jspanese beetle parasite material and
control measures for Japanese and Asiatic beetles were the principal
features of the half of the exhibit prepared by the Moorestown, N. J.,
laboratory of the Division of Fruit Insect Investigations. A miniature
road=patrol station, scouting traps, and mounts depicting quarantine sand
suppression activities of the Division of Japanese Beetle Control comprised
the renainder of the display. I. M. Hawley, of the Moorestown laboratory
staff, and J. C. Silver, of the Bloomfield, N. J., field headquarters,
were on hand to answer questions on all phases of the research end control :
work,

t

started on March 24, with the opening of the station on

1 at Anissville, Va. The fcllowing day the important post
1 at Fredericksburg,. Va... was reopened. On March 26, the
t

1

a

u
on. Sa ROU

on Stato Routes 2 and 3 out of Fredericksburg were posted.

stations

Strawberry=plant fumigation house conpleted.--A large strawberry-
plant grower at Sclisbury, Md., has. comploted construction of a funiga-

—)

tion house, The intcrior is lined with sheet netal, with seams mide air-
tignt with calking nmeterial. The house is equipped with a larze-capacity
power blower for circulating the gas in the chamber and exhausting the gas
when the ventilators are open, The flocr cf the house has been lined with
stean pipes to be used when it is necessary to raise the temperature to 60°
F., the ninimun temperature to be mnintained during the funigation period.
No corsiercial funientions have been perforned as yet, but extensive.tests
and research have been carried on with methyl bronide under the direction
of the Division of Control Investigations,

Infested shipnents.-~-Eleven shipments from which gypsy moth egg
clusters were removed were offered for inspection and certification during
the month, The most heavily infested shipnent was a carlond cf lunber in-
spected at Decring Junction, Maine, prior to novement to North Tonawanda,
N. Y. Fourteen egg clusters were taken from this lumber,

-6-

Dutch elm disease personnel increases.--An additional allotment of
W. P. A. funds made in March permitted restoration to the payroll of some
of the crew members dismissed at the end of the February work period. By
the end of the month the number of men on security wages in the respective
States was 126 in Connecticut, 1,108 in New Jersey, 249 in New York, ond
13 in Indiana.

Two more confirmations in Indianapolis.--Two additional trees in-
fected with the Dutch elm disease have been found in the Indianapolis, Ind
area, One was in Crown Hill Cemetery and the other on Chapel Road, in
Washington Township. This brings the total number of confirmed cases at
this isolated infection to 67.

ong

FOREST INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Larval mortality for elm bark beetle.--C. H. Hoffmann, of the Morris-
town, N. J,, laboratory, reports that 2 total of 28 square feet of bark
from five heavily infested elm trees wos examined in March to determine
larval mortality for the smaller European elm bark beetle (Scolytus nulti-
striatus Marsh.). Counts were made of ell larval mines and all living
‘larvae. These showed that of 19,934 larvae that had once been present,
only 2,590 remained alive. The total larval mortality due to crowding,
bark and wood conécition, woodpecker feeding, anc other factors amounted
therefore to 88 percent. There were approxinately 16 brood burrows per
square foot of bark examined.

Records on spruce sawfly cocoons.--H. J. MacAloney, of the New Haven,
Conn., laboratory, reports that square-foot samples of duff and litter
containing cocoons of the Huropean spruce sawfly were taken at 50-foot in-
tervals along two compass lines run for approximately half a mile up the
north slope of Mount Monadnock, at Dublin, N. H., in October 1937, the nun-—
ber of samples totaling 86, Hach sample was placed in a canvas bag and
the entire lot was delivered to J. G,. Conklin, of the University of New
Hampshire, who held them in cold storace. Counts during the winter showed
a total of 5,650 cocoons, or an average of about 65 per square foot,

These were divided as follows, on a square foot basis: Adult sawflies had
previously emerged from 20 (apparently from 19 in 1937, and from 1 prior
to that time); 12 destroyed by mammals; anc 3 destroyed by predatory in-
sects; while the remaining 30 cocoons, about U5 percent of the total, were
considered as sound and still containing insects, Since renoving the
samples from cold storage, a high perccntege of the sound cocoons have pro—
duced female sawflies but no males have been obtained ond as yet no para
sites have issued. Another collection of 86 samples will be taken fron
the same points this spring, just before the sawflies emerge, to obtain
further informaticn on destruction by nanmals, It is believed that there
will have been no appreciable winter mortolity,. as weather records taken
in this area indicate a relatively mild winter.

Propagation of spruce sawfly parasite.--P, B. Dowden and P. A. Berry,
New Haven, report that large-scale propagetion of Microplectron fuscipennis
Zctt., a-cocoon parasite of the Hurepean spruce sawfly, is now under way.
To aid in this work the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests,

=15

through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of
Agriculture, has furnished an assistant, Frank E. Miller, Jr., who re-
ported for duty on March l.

Insect hazard inventoried in California,.--The forest insect hazard
on 563,000 acres of pine timberland in the Lassen area of California was
inventoried by a field crew during the 1937 field season, according to
P, C. Johnson, of the Berkeley, Calif., laboratory, using nethods pre-
viously developed to measure past loss and present stand susceptibility
to bark-beetle attacks. A complete working circle which supplies the
raw noterials for a sawmill of large capacity was included in the area
inventoried. <A hazard greater than moderate exists throughout the areca.
By locating and mapping the areas of different degrees of hazard and by
measuring the resources in each, a basis has been provided for direct ap-
plication of the results in forest management and utilization plans.

Susceptibility classification applied on Black's Mountain Experi-
mental Forest.--J. W. Bongberg, Berkeley, reports that tentative classifi-
cation of the susceptibility of ponderosa and Jeffrey pine trees was
applied on the Black's Mountain Experinental Forest in California, in
1937. Crown characters, indicating the presence of California flatheaded
borer broods, were used to identify susceptible trees. A total of 18,712
trees on 1,040 acres were rated in four susceptibility classes. Suscepti-
ble trees averaged, by volune, 15.5 percent of the total green stand. They
were found to represent an approxinate average of stand values, Analysis
of 480 trees, totaling 625,570 feet bn. that wom cut from 249 acres after
having been classified as highly susceptible, showed that between 80 and
90 percent contained incipient flathead borer broods and were classified
correctly..

Food habits of Enoclerus sphezeus (F.) and Temnochila virescens
(?.).--Fly larvae as a diet for young larvae of Enoclerus sphegeus, an
important predator of the mountain pine bectle, have provec to be unsatis—
factory in tests conducted at the Berkeley, Calif., laboratory, according
to G R. Struble. On the other hand, Temnochila virescens _ another in
portant predator of the nountain pine beetle, feeds readily aud develops
rapidly on larvae of the fly Lucilio sericata Meig., when provided as an
artificial diet. This would indicate that EH. sphegeus is more specific in
host-selection habits than is Tf. virescens.

Technique developed for procuring esés of predators.--Procurenent of
€Gés in abundance, of two important coleopterous predators of the mountain
pine beetle in sugar pine, has been derionstrated by Mr. Struble. This is
an important step in the development of technique for biological control.
Controlled tests conducted on the oviposition habits and reproductive po-
tential of Temnochila virescens and Enoclerus sphegeus have resulted
in large nuribers of eggs, following the provision of prope :timuli. The
conditions necessary are: (1) The use of nated pairs, eacn pair enclosed
in a separate container (small glass jar or petri dish); (2) a small, green
sugar pine block containing bark and phloen; (3) a supply of Dendroctonus
adults, which attack the blocks and serve as food for the predators. A
continuous supply of eggs has been assured by setting up fresh green blocks

Ses

each week, At the end of the week eggs are removed from the blocks and
placed in petri dishes, where they hatch out within 4 to 6 days. Fertility
of eggs collected thus far has been ies HOO} percent.

Nature affords protection of newly hatched predators against canni-
balism.--Among newly hatched larvae of Temnochila virescons 5 and Bnc Enoclerus
sphegeus cannibalism is absent. Observations by Mr. Struble.on many e
masses have led to this belief, The stored-food material from the egg
st2ge enables the young larvne to go without cee for several days, dur-
ing which time they wander away from the egg masses and rarely molest then.
In later stages the voracious 2ppetites of Brow) eee impel then to
eed indiscrininately on whatever larval life moves, including their om
kind.

33S

Bark-beetle | control work psu eee aur in southern California recre-
at ional areas,--During the fall of 19347 a forest-insect | survey of the sun-
ner-hone and resort areas in the southern California forests was initiated
by the Berkeley laboratory. This work was directed by J. 3. Patterson and
included coverage of about 250,000 acres and the establishment of 12 perna-
nent sample plots. The purpose of this survey is to keep numerous orgeni-
zations, interested in protection of the forest cover on these areas, in=
. formed regarding current insect infestations and needs for control work,
-Conditions found in the fall of 1947 indicated that bark—be atte infesta-
tions were at a low status and only a minor anount of control work was
recommended for the winter control season. The Idyllwild Proje se in River-
side County, where control was.carried out by private and federal agencies
during the winter of 1936~37, has shown excellent results.

Type of host material important in bark-beetle infestation.--W. D.
Bedard, of the Soeur d'Alene, Id@eho, laboratory, in reporting on the re-
sults of an intensive study of an infestation of the mountain pine beetle
in the western whito pine stands of the Coeur d'Alene Nationel Forest,
points cut that the abundance of beetle broods varies in the different types
of white pine host material attacked by the insect.) The 2 years of data
available at the present tine indicate that debris from road construction,
logging slash and cull logs, and fire-scorched trees, although potentially
capable cf adundant broods, are unfavorable for development and do not
threaten as sources of mountain pine béetle infestation. Most of the avail—
able bark surface in these materials is utilized by secondary bark beetles
and wood borers. Mountain pine beetle brocds in windfalls, on the other
hand, are almost as cbundant as those in standing trees, even though there
are nearly threo times as many attacks in the stending trees. Trees infected
with root rots appear to be slightly preferred by the mountain pine beetle
over uninfected trees. The diseased trees are found moinly on drier, poorer
sites, are attacked with approxinately the same density as uninfected trees,
and are capable of producing approximately the same volume of new beetles
per squere foot.

Unsensonably wort] winter temperatures contribute to to bark-beetle mor-—
tality.--Tests conducted nt the Coeur d'Alene laboratc tory ry indicate that the
occurrence. of abnornally warn temperatures during winter nonths, when moun—-
tain pine beetle larvae are normally inactive, may contribute to subsequent

acs

prood mortality. J. C. Hvenden reports that larvae that withstood an ex-
posure of -25° F, were far less resistant after being exposod to abnormally
warm temperatures. The reduction in larval resistance to low temperatures
was in rather direct proportion to the duration and severity of the exposure
to warm temperatures. These tests furthermore demonstrated that when larval
resistance had once been reduced it could not be rebuilt to the snme desree
as previously existed.

Relation of cold-hardiness of Black Hills beetle to locality.--Ponde-
rosa pine infested with the Black Hills beetle was.collected by N. D.
Wygant, of the Fort Collins, Colo., l-boratory, from four localities in
Janucry onc February to determine whether or not the cold=hardiness of the
insect varied:over its natural distribution. The infested logs were brought
to Fort Collins by truck and the larvae were tested immediately in a cabinet
with controlled temperatures. One hundred of the insects were exposed to
the cold for-2 hours and 15 minutes as naked larvae in petri dishes at in-
tervals of 2.5° F, over the critical range. The locality, name of national
forest, date tested, and critical range of each were as follows: Pine Lake,
in southern Utah, Powell N. F., Jan. 26, -17.5° to -32.5°; South Fork, in
southern Colorado, Rio Grande N. F., Fob, 9, -15° to -32.5°: Custer, S. Dak.,
Harney N.F., Fav. 25, <22.5° to -35°; and Roosevelt N.F., in northern Colo-
rado, Jan. 26 and Feb. 9, -20° to -32.5°. The critical renges from the
various localities were very nearly the same, except that the larvae fron
the Black Hills of South Dekota were a little more cold-hardy than all the
others, and the larvae from northern Colorado were slightly more hardy than
those-from southern Coloraco and southern Utah. The tests were made in mid-
winter, when the larvae reach their maximum cold-hardiness. neir fall and
spring hardiness would no doubt vary in proportion to the local seasonal
temperatures.

Orthodichlorobenzene=naphthalene ermlsion fairly effective against
larvee of flatheaded apple-tree borer.--Of the various chemicals tested
against larvae of Chryscbothris femcrata Oliv. wider the bark of American
elm at Lincoln, Nebr., in August 1937 by N. D. Wygant, of the Fort Collins,
Colo., laboratory, an ermlsion of orthodichlorobenzene and naphthalene gave
the best results, killing 92 percent of the young larvae in the trees
sprayed on August 3. A stock emlsion was made up of 2 quarts of orthodichlo-
robenzene in which wes dissolved 2 pounds of flrke naphthalene, 24 ounces of
water, and 8 ounces of potash fish 011 soap. One part of the stock was di-
luted with 2 parts of water, which gave a spray of approxinately 16-2 /3 per-
cent orthodichlorobenzene and &-1/3 percent naphthlene. The emulsion was
sprayed on the bark of the infested trees until the liquid began to run
down the crevices of the bark. A wesk later the sprayed trees were cut, the
bark pecled off, and the mortality of the larvae counted, The sprays ap-
plicé on August 14, after the larvae were larger, were not as
those applied on Auscust 3.

ffective as

OQ

_-10-

GYPSY MOTH AND BROWN-TAIL MOTH CONTROL

Cleaning work at_infestations speeds up subsequent scouting.--Most
types of gypsy moth work require skilled men, but efficient cleaning work
in the immediate vicinity of infestations can be done by unskilled laborers.
This work, which includes picking up, examining, and burning dead wood and
debris, not only improves the forests and reduces the gypsy moth population,
but also is of material benefit to scouting and treatment work subsequently ~
performed in the cleaned areas.

Gypsy moth work only slightly delayed by maple-sugar season. --Gypsy
moth work is often retarded in some sections by the resignation of many
W. P.. A. employees to accept other work of a seasonal nature, such as har-
vesting crops. Most interruptions of this sort occur in the fell, but the
maple~sugar crop is a very important exception. The season begins early in”
the spring, when the sap starts to flow in the trees, and continues for an
indeterminate period depending on the favorableness of the weather, Sev-
eral W, P. A. workers assigned to gypsy moth work in Vermont 2nd western
Massachusetts obtained temporary employment in March in tapping meple-suga
trees, gathering sep, and assisting in the manufacture of maple sirup and
maeple-sugar products. -Gypsy moth work in that section was not seriously de-
layed, as the unsezsonably warn temperatures during the month shortened the
maple-sugar season and caused a subnormal yield of sap. .

Access to isolated territory facilitated by new lumbering roads.——Much
gypsy moth work is performed in wild mountainous country, where the woodland
blocks extend over thousends of acres, and some secticns can be reached
only on foot. The eastern portion of Sunderland, in the southern part of
the Vermont section of the barrier zone, is a typical: example of such coun-—
try. Formerly it could only be reached by walking over trails and old
abandoned wood roads, many of which were partially filled with brush and
were difficult to follow. However, a concern engaged ‘in havling pulpwood
from a large woodland areca in this territory has recently constructed a main
road into the block and side roads to the different sections, capable of |
supporting heavy-duty trucks. -The new roads are of grent assistance to the
fypsy noth scouts, who started work in Sunderlend the lattor part of March.

New industry consunes gypsy moth food plants.--In West Stockbridge,
in the Massachusetts section of the barrier zone, a lumberman has developed
a market for poplar lumber. He is cutting a largs quantity of popiar

growth into 12-foot lengths, sawing the logs into boords and planks of
various thicknesses, and shipping them to Hagardville, Conn., where they are
used in the manufacture of radio cabinets and inexpensive furniture. fF¥or-
merly, poplar lumber was considered unsuitable for such uses. As poplar is _
one of the most favored food plants of the gypsy moth, the remcval of such
a large quantity will be of material assistance to the control work in that
section,

Brush pulverized at infestation where burning would be dangerous.--The —
sawdust machine purchased by this activity some time ago is at present being |
used to dispose of brush acecumalated from gypsy noth thinning work in Hamp- 9%

shire County, Mass. The machine reduces the brush to sawdust and can either ay

eng s

blow the sawdust into a pile or broadcast it over a considerable area.

It is particularly useful in locations where the burning of the brush
wovld endanger the surrounding territory, as is the case at the infesta-—
tion where the machine is now working. An abundance of tall dry grass

ana weeds in the area where the brush is piled could easily become ignited
if the brush were burned, and serious damage night result.

Spraying needed in area where eget clusters were broken by ice
storms.--A large percentage of the egg clusters in northwestern Connecticut
were broken by ice storms during the winter months and the disturbed por-
tions of the clusters dropped to the ground and were lost among the leaves.
In such cases even the raking up and burning of the leaves would not ce-
stroy all cf the eggs. Many small portions of egg clusters and individual
eses would escape, despite the most careful work, and subsequent spraying
of the foliage is the only reliable remedy in such circuistances.

Municipal thimning work helps eradication campaign against gypsy
noth,—-The city of Waterbury, Conn., recently began cleaning ané thinning
operations on their waterworks property in the town of Warren, which is in
a part. of the barrier zone that is most susceptible to gypsy moth infesta-
tion. The Federal forces have found it necessary to work in this town
annually for the last several years in order to keep the barrier zone free
of the pest. The work by the city of Waterbury autonatically assists the
gypsy moth eradication campaign, as it reduces both the quantity of food
plants in the region and the material that must be exarined by the Federal
scouts.

Gypsy moth work benefits fron real estate developnent.--A real estate
syndicate has recently purchased many of the vacant farms in Sherman, Fair-
field County, Conn., and is constructing lodges of field-stone and planting
pines and spruces in many of the unforested areas. As Sherman is adjacent
to the New York State line in the Connocticut section of the barrier zone,
Zypsy moth work in that section will be benefited in two respects: The
ancunt of field stone that would have to be examined in cnse gypsy moth in-
festations should be found in the vicinity will be materially reduced, and
the solid stands of coniferous growth will de practically immune to danage
by the sypsy moth.

Shipments of nursery stock increasing rapidly.--A government in-
spector stationed on Long Island, N. Y., to exanine materials likely to
harbor the gypsy noth before shipment fron the regulated area in Nassa
County, reports a large increase in the movement of nursery stock from that
area, The. volume of inspection work practically doubled during the last
week in March, Sinilar conditions are reported from Pennsylvania, where
there has been a material increase in the shipments cf rhododendron and
kalnia shrubs, especially from tne woodland areas in the region of the
Pocono Mountains, It has been possible this year to dig the plants at
least 2 weeks earlier than usual, which is of decided advantage to the op-—
erators because of an unexpectedly large increase in business. The opera-
ters have already received orders for nore rhododendron and kalnia plants

Aaa

than were sold during the entire season in any of the last 10 years. All
of the plants that originate within the quarantined area must be inspected
for the gypsy moth before they are shipped. Large ‘quantities of selected
ash logs were inspected in the vicinity of Moscow, Fa., during the last
week in March. The logs are to receive special treatment and will then be
shipped to a large manufacturer of baseball bats in Louisville, Ky.

Progress of gypsy moth work in Pennsylvania.--During the period July 1,
1937, to February 28, 1938, more than 203,000 acres of woodland and open
country were scouted in the Pennsylvania area and 217 infestations, totaling
nearly 190,000 egg clusters, were located and destroyed. Approximately 50
percent of the infestations and more than 70 percent of the egg clusters
were found in Luzerne County.

Shipments increase in Pennsylvania quarantined area,--During the first
half of March a total of 1,254 shipments were inspected and certified, and
1,927 shipments were allowed to move under permit in the Pennsylvania area
under quarantine on account of the gypsy moth. The bulk of the shipments
consisted of field stone for highway construction work; mine props and
lagging;. and junk metal, much of which was exported. The shipments were all |
made in compliance with the new quarantine regulations promilgated by the ag
Pennsylvania department of agriculture, which became cffective on February 15.

Large white oaks on high clevation removed by C, C. C.—--The plan of
work to be done by C. ©. C. enrollees assigned to gypsy neth work has been
revised:so that special emphrsis can be placed on the treatment of infesta-.
tions that especially threaten the barrier gone, before the emergence of the
caterpillars. iIn accordance with this policy, 131 large white oak trees on
a high elevation in Russell, Mass., which were badly infestcd with the gypsy
noth, have been.removed, The trees ranged from 10 to 30 inches in diameter,
measured breast high, It required approxinately 2s man-days per tree to
take them down, cut then into 8- or 12-foot sections, and clean up and burn
the slash, As Russell is only one town removed from the eastern border of
the barrier zone, and as the infested trees were so situated that there was
serious danger of wind spread toward the zone, their removal should be of
direct benefit to the zonal work. Late in March several W. P. A. employees
were assigned to work in sections of this heavily infested area that could
not be covered by the C. C. C. men before the beginning of the spraying
season,

PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

Barberry eradication in Illincis.--In making an analysis of control
work conducted in two cities, nore or less typical of those found in northern ~
Illinois, R, W. Bills, in charge of barberry eradication in that State, has
compiled the following data. Some work was Gone in each of these cities 4
during each year indicated in the following table. Each successive survey has”
been more thorough than tne previous one, ;

als

ogre Infested properties : Bushes destroyed

: Belvidere : Rockford +: Belvidere : Rockford
- Nunber ; Nunber : Number : Nunber
1918----- . ? - r\ sr an 50 ; 1,962
Toige==== : 9 : Ugo : 21 Sf eRenul6
1923-----~ : 3 : 65 : 22 : 143
1926----- : 17 : 65 : U6 : 150
1937----—— : : : yo
Total: 32 + : Dia ie 2 : » +13

The number of bushes found in 1937, as compared with the total nun-
ber found in each city, is extremely small and.it appears that the problen
of complete eradication in these cities is practically solved. Mr. Bills
reports further that only one area infested with Berberis canadensis is
known to exist in Illinois. This is located along the Illinois River in
Tazewell County. The area was first reported in 1924, Existing. bushes
were destroyed in 1924, 1933, and in 1937. More than 59,000 bushes were
destroyed in 1924, 9,450 in 1933, and 3,690 in 1937. Not only were fewer

bushes found in 1937 but the individual bushes were much snaller, many of .
* then less than 6 inches high. It is believed that only one more dctailed
inspection of this area will be needed to bring about complete control.
The area extends for about 23 miles along the bluffs of the river and so
far as can be détermined it has not increased in size since it was first
ciscovered.

Barberry eradication in South Dakota.--In a recent report sun-
Marizing progress that has been made in barberry eradication in South Dalota
since 1933, George W. Hade, State leader in charge, submits the following
data: Certein areas in 21 counties, where there was evidence that barberry.
bushes might exist, have been given a detailed inspection and bushes have
been fovnd on 97 new properties and on 35 properties reported: prior to 1933.
As a result of this work 1,365 bushes have been destroyed, bringing the
total nunber eradicated in South Dakota since control was first undertaken
to 135,8/2. lr. Hade reports further that of the 97 new properties lo-
cated in these counties, all but 1 were found within a radius of 2 niles
of properties on which bushes were known to exist or had been destroyed by
work completed prior to the time this intensive survey was made,

Scouting for blister rust in the sugar pine region in 1937.--Tho
principal objective of the scouting work in California in 1937 was to ascer-
tain the southward spread of white pine blister rust in the State along the
Coast Range and the Sierra Nevada. An intensive search for .fruiting pine
Cankers was made in the vicinity of all infections found on Rides. Blister
rust infections were found in the Coast Range on the southern end of the
Trinity National Forest, approximately 125 niles south of the Oregon border.
This discovery marked an advance in the known spread of the Cisoase of 100
Miles in one season. In the Sierra Nevada, scouting parties identified
blister rust on infected Ribos for the first time. The discovery was made
on Ribes roezli in Tehama County on the Lassen National Forest, also 125
Miles south of the Oregon border. The prevalence of infocted Ribes indicates
that blister rust spores were dispersed widely over southern Oregon and

egies

northern California during the spring of 1947. Although the source of ‘
these spores is not definitely known, it is probable that, owing to their
general distribution, they came from a considerable distance to the north,
The exposure of white and sugar pine in this area to blister rust infection
in 1937 will result in centers of infection on these trees that will becone
visible in 1939 and following which a further spread and: intensification of
the disease may be expected. The results of the scouting work done in 1937
in this region are shown below. The host plants examined include all
species of Ribes in this region and two species of pine-=Pinus nonticola and
P. lambertiana. j

A RR SR A SR A RN

State Host plants exaninedsHost plants found infected

Nunber 2 Nunber : Percent
California--: | 82,165 : 223 52, O.27
Oregon------ g 1,449 9 2571 Wits 17.74
Total--: 3, oly : 80 : ail

ns

Winter camp operated with relief labor.--On December 1, 1937, a work
canp was opened at Mariposa, Calif., and menned with 65 selected men fron
the blister rust control operations in the sugar pine region of California.
The cemp was confortably housed in senipermanent buildings formerly occu
pied by aC. C. C. camp. The elevation at this point is 2,000 feet, which
is above the fog belt and just below the winter snow line, pernitting
ideal working conditions. The purpose of the camp was to overhaul and re-
pair the equipnent used in blister rust control operations. One of the
Major activities during the winter was the laundering and stenciling of
5,000 wool blankets, 1,200 sleeping-bdag covers, 1,200 sleeping-bag sheets,
800 mattress covers, and 100 canvas tarpaulins. Several hundred cots and |
tents were repaired and all pick-nattocks, saws, and axes were sharpened.
In addition to providing jobs for needy persons in compliance with W. P. A,
regulations, very satisfactory work was accomplished and trained men were
held over the winter in readiness for the opening of the field season in
the spring. One of the major problems faced by the blister rust control
office in the suger pine region has been that of obtaining an adequate
supply of men qualified to fill the important positions of field forenen,
clerks, and crew leaders, This problem is directly traceable to the
seasonal character of the work and is one that requires considerable train-
ing of new nen at the beginning of the field season. By carefully selecting
the men for this winter camp, it was possible to retain the best of the
trained nen, thereby facilitating the opening of camps in the spring.

COTTON INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Studies of lons-cycle pink bollworn larvae in Puerto Rico.--The be-
havior of the larval stage of the pink bollworm was studied by L. C. Fife,
Mayaguez, P. R., in relaticn to definite changes in the environmental con-
plex over a period of years, in order to determine the factor or factors that
induce the cevelopnent: of long-cycle larvae, He found that the resting stage
was always abundant in the fields during long periods of drought, regardless
of the age of the crop or tine of the year at which this takes place. However,

AGS

regardless of the amount of rainfall, a small percentage of long-cycle lar-
vae always occurs, indicating the existence of an inherited seasonal cycle
which cannot be broken within several generations. Thé reaction of larvae
to artificial drought ‘conditions -in the laboratory was also studied, ,in
order to aid in the intérpretation of the effect of the environmental com-
plex in the field. Cotton plants were grown in 176 5-gallon oilcans filled
with sandy-loam soil, About 25 days after date of planting the plants
were Givided into two lots and treated as follows: In tho dry series the
aiount of water supplied to the plants was so regulated as to cause - severe
water-stressed condition, the plants shedcing most of their leaves and
fruiting forms. In. the wet series the plants were given an abundant supply
of water. The plants in this scries were vigorous and healthy, bearing

any fruiting forms per plant. .Blooms on all plants were tagged daily so
that the age of the bolls would be kmown. About 45 days after date of
planting first-instar larvoe. wero installed on all bolls regardless of age,
and 15 days after date of installation the bolls were collected, the lar-~
vae removed, and classified according to age. The percentage of long~
cycle larvae was determined fron each series of different age groups, The
moisture content of tho seed and lint from bolls of various ages was also
determined from each series. It was found that the moisture content of

the seed and lint of the bolls grown on cotton plants suffering from water
deficiency was always lower than that of the seed and lint of bolls grown
on plants receiving an abundant supply of water, the averrges being 38.3
and 52.9 percent, respectively. These determinations were made 25 dais
after the treatments were started. The percentages of longecycle larvae
from the bolls of the ary series were always higher than the percentages
of resting larvae from bolls of the wet series, the avernges being 86,4

and 57.1 percent, respectively. In order to supplement the above experi-~
ment, the percentage of long-cycle larvae that develops in vericus types
of fruiting forms under field conditions was also determined. Four types
of fruiting forms, namely, young green bolls (soft), ola green bolls (hard),
young dry bolls (dead but hanging on the plant), and open bolls, were used
in these studies. The results are shovn in the following table.

Type of fruiting form * Records : Long=cycle
: : larvae
: Number : Percent
Young green bolls (soft )----------- - 95 =: 65.3
Old green bells (hard)------------- : Ears 13:7
Young dry bolls-------------------- : 195 - 79.5
(09) 5) 00) | {old fs eee ee = = eee re ne : 340 92.4

t is obvious that the highest percentage of long-cycle larvae oc-
currec in the older fruiting forms, i. e., bolls containing the least
moisture. In another test young (soft) and old (hard) green bolls were
collected in the field. The percentage of lonz-cycle larvae anc the
moisture content of the seed and lint in each type of boll were as follows:

ellos

Type of fruiting form ‘Records ‘hong-cycle oe content
: warvae :of seed and lint

—

at a

: * Percent } Percent
Young green bolls (soft)---: ae : VR oN es 81.6
Old green bolls (hard)-----:; 11 : 26.3 3 7S

It will be noted that the highest percentage of long-cycle larvae
was found in the bolls containing the lowest moisture.content. These
ficld tests confirm the results of laboratory studies, that lack of
moisture in the insects! food induces the development of the lonz-cycle
phase, Under laboratory conditions the coefficient of correlation be-
tween the moisture content of the seed aud lint in green bolls and age
of the boll was -0.958 * 0.009, The moisture content of the scéd and
lint of cotton bolls was inversely proportional to the percentage cf long
cycle larvae, the coefficient of correlation beings -0,552 ¢ 0.159. Corre-
lation studies also showed that a higher percentage of larvae was found
in the clder bolls, the ccefficient being * 0. By 0.177. These studies
indicate that the rostine stage is found in grenter abundance in the older
bolls, not because of age but because they contain less aoisture. In order
to determine the effects of temperature and moisture acting together in
causing the development of the long-cycle stage, numerous short-cycle lar-
vae were placed in desiccators where constant relative humidities of from
1 to 100 percent were maintained at various high temperatures. The highest
percentages of long-cycle larvae were found in treatments maintained at
the lowest humidities, this being especially true at the ee tempera-
tures. Very few long-cycle larvae were founc in treatments maintained at
90 or 100 percent relative humidity, regardless of the temperature, These
results indicate that low humidity and high temperature reduce the water
content of the larva itself by evaporation, theredy decreasing the rate
of metabolism, with consequent cessation cf development. Since the de-
velopment of long-cycle larvae is induced by dry food and that of short-
cycle larvae is induced vy moist focd, it was deemed ifmortant to deter-
mine the’ moisture content of these two types of eee This was ac-
complished by drying the larvae in an oven at 215°R . for 48 hours. The
results are shown in the following table,

Type of Ee yA (Moisture content (am

ariples= :
larvae a _Average | __iMaxigun : Minimun

: dumber =: Percent : Percent: Percent
Short-cycle--* sl * 70.8 Plaga teil ae
Long=cycle---* aa ° 62.90.46" 65.4 ° 60.8

a eee

Lf.

Samples contained 25 or mere larvae each.

It will be noted that the moisture content of shortecycle larvae
averaged 7.9 percent higher than that of long-cyvcle larvae, This condition

was probably caused by the difference in the moisture content of their food.

From the above studies it seems reasonable to conclude that the development

——
’

eal

of longecycle larvee is caused by any factor or factors that reduce the
water content of the larvae themselves. Also, as a small percentage of
long-cycle larvae are encountered, even uncer apparently favorable environ-
mental conditions, the existence of an inherited long-cycle phase iumust be
acknowledged.

PINK BOLLWORM AND THURBERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

Inspection,--Laboratory inspection at San Antonio has been negative
during the month. Some of the green bolls inspected were collected fron
the top crop last fall in counties adjacent to the lower Rio Grande Valley
of Texas, and about 1s months after gin-trash inspection was completed.

It therefore seems that if infestation had spread to these adjacent counties
it would have shown up in the late bolls. As regulatory activities have
been decreasing, the inspection of green—boll samples is: also being carried
on at some of the field stations. Bolls originating in Dona Ana County,

N. Mex., were negative so far as actual specimens were concerned; however,
one exit hole was found. In bolls from Luna County, N. Mex., seven speci-
mens of the pink. bollworm were found and 3 were found in bolls from El Paso
County, Tex. From the heavily infested part -of Hudspeth County, Tex.,
2,000 bolls were inspected and 1,252 specinens of the pink bollworn were
found, while the same number of bolls from the lightly infested part of the
county contained only 58 specinens. Since the finding of a pink bollworn
larva in Thurberia bolls in the Rincon Mountains of Arizona additional bolls
are being collected from various mountain ranges adjacent to the Santa

Cruz Valley. By the close of the month some 43,000 bolls from 3 ranges had
been collected, placed in the proper preservative solution, and sent to

El Paso, Tex., for inspection, Collections will be made in the renaining
ranzes 2s rapidly as possible.

Wild-cotton eracication.--The eradication of wild cotton in southern
Florida has continued to go forward satisfactorily. A few days' work was
lost at Cape Sable the latter part of the month because of rain. Even so,
a considerable part of the area was cleaned for a second tine. One section
required only 4 @ays for a second cleaning, as compared to 6 days for the
first cleaning, as the nen coulc follow old trails. Consequently, during
this second recleaning excellent guide trails are being cut all cover the
area ond shovld result in a considerable time saving in future. The crew,
which has been camped in the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands, has made
good progress and has rezioved 2 considerable number of plants. In the
Fort Myers section a thirc recleaning was bdegun the latter part of the
month. Many old colonies were visited without finding any cotton, At
Indian Field only 45 seedlings were found, whereas this locstion vsually
contains more seedlings than any other section, A fairly lorsze virgin
Plant was located and removed in the Goodland Point section, It had two

_linbs extending at least 25 feet from the trunk and containing a great

Many mature bolls. During this third-cleaning considerable srouting of
suspicious arens is being carried on. On the mainland keys a secon? clean-
ing is in progress, with a nunber of sections already completed. This
season has been exceptionally cry in practically all of the wild cotton ter-
ritory. This has resulted in many of the small seedlings moking very slow

Growth, and naturally they are nuch harder to locate. Over 6,500 acres were

=i Ga

covered in March, from which 174,691 seedling and 1,28 sprout plants
were removed. Of this number 11,659 contained mature bolls. Approxi-
mately 3,000 additional acres were scouted without finding any wild
cotton.

Thurberia-plant eradication,--The eradication of Thurberia plants in
the Santa Catalina Mountains has gone forward satisfactorily. During the
month a little over 500 man-days was put in and, from the 2,120-.acres
covered, 7,634 Thurberia plants were destroyed. Most of the area covered
was very rough. The laborers have been transported to and from Tucson
each day while the new camp is being erected. Everything will be in readi-
ness to carry on work directly from camp early next month.

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Peamit-oil 1 emulsion added to derris-dust mixture aids in pea aphid

control,--In an extensive series of greenhouse tests with several sont
tions of derris-dust mixtures against Illinoia pisi (Kltb.), T. E. Bronson
and P,. V. Stone, of the Madison, Wis., laboratory, found that a derris-
dust mixture containing 0.4 percent rotenone, with talc as the diluent and

conditioned with sodium oleyl sulphate as a wetter and spreader (1 percent), 7]

plus a crude peanut-oil emulsion (2 percent), gave a satisfactory mortality
of the pea aphid through all the ranges of relative humidity from 20 to

&5 percent. The application of derris-dust mixtures that did not contain
any conditioning materials resulted in a low mortality of the pea aphid at
all the ranges of relative humidity encountered. The appvlication of derris-
dust mixtures containing sodium oleyl sulphate (1 percent) as a wetter and
spreading agent, but without crude peanut~oil enuls eau gave a low mor-
tality of the pea aphid at low relative humidity and a satisfactory mortal-
ity of the test insects after the expiration of uu days when the relative
humidity was 50 percent or higher. ie was concluded, on the basis of these
tests in the greenhouse, that derris-dust mixtures containing the sodium
oleyl sulphate as a wetter and spreader were decidedly superior in toxicity @
to the pea aphid than a dust mixture not containing this ingredient, whereas =
the dust ‘mixture containing this same wetter and spreading agent, plus a |
crude peanut-oil emulsion, was greatly superior to the dust mixture that —
did not contain this vegetable oil. These results corroborate previously
reported findings of N. F. Howard and k. A. Fulton, of the Columbus, Ohio,
laboratory, that when emulsions of peanut oil] are added to sprays or dust
mixtures, their efficiency is increosed greatly against large plant bugs,
If the resnits cf these tests in the greenhouse are borne out under field
conditions, it may be possible to greatly increase the erfectiveness of
dust mixtures containing rotenone for use against the pea aphid by the
addition of peanut-oil emulsion, as thus far many field experiments against
this insect heve shown variable results in the presence of different
humidities.

Tomatc fruitworm hibernates successfully in Utah.--H. H, Dorst, of
the Logan, Utah, laboratory, reports that an examination of cages simulating)
natural FORGE AOR containing pupae of Heliothis obsoleta F., which pupated :

normally at Hooper, Utah, in the fall of 1937, indicote that approxinately
65 percent of the pupae had survived i the ‘close of March 1938, It was
found that on an average these pupae were present at a depth of 3.4 inches
below the level of the soil surface. Peace of soil in cornfields
where the pupal population was determined at approxinately 0.15 per square
foot, in the fall of 1937 showed that approximately 50 percent of the pupae
survived the winter and that the depth of pupation in the cornficlds was
sinilar to that observed in the overwintering cages, The nortality of the
tonato fruitworm, as observed in overwintering cages during the winter of
1936~37, was. 100 percent. No survival of overwintering pupae was observed
in cornfields or tomato fields in the spring of 1937.

Cabbage. worns controlled on fall-grown cabbage--in South Carolina, --In
summarizing the results obtained in insecticide tests directed against cab=
bage worms on cabbage grown at Charleston, S. C., during the fall and winter
of 193/-38, W. J. Reid, Jr., reports that a cabbage worm population consist-=
ing of the cabbage fearon (Autographa brassicae Riley) and various Agrotinae
principally the corn car worm and several species of climbing cutworms) can
be controlled effectively by the use of a calcium arsenate-hydrated line
dust mixture (3-1) prior to the heading of the plants, followed by applica~
tions of a pyrethrumetalc—dust mixture containing 0.5 percent total pyre-
thrins, or a derris-clay~dust mixture containing. 1.0 percent rotenone, at.
10-day intervals after the plants have headed, provided the plants had been
well protected against cabbage worms before being thinned or transplanted,
During the progress of these experiments the cabbage worm populations were
held to a relatively low point by early frosts anc general low temperatures;
consequently, the populations did not exceed a maximum of 87.5 per 100
plants. These populations evidently were not sufficient to cause marked
injury to the plants, as the final observations showed that only about 4
percent of the plants not treated with insecticides were considered un=-
narketable as U. S. Grade No. 1, because of worn damage. While no signifi-
cant differences were demonstrated between U. S. Grace No. 1 yields of the
various treatments, highly significant correlations were shown to exist be-
tween the numbers of worms and the numbers of wornm-damaged plants and, in
the reverse ratio, with the numbers of plants free of worn injury. % was
shown that if the numbers of worms were reduced by the insecticides, the
nunbers of injury-free plants were increased and the numbers cf worn-damaged
Plants were decreased. The experiment demonstrated that the pyrcethrun-dust
mixture and the derris—dust nixture were most effective against the cabbage
looper and that the calcium arsenate-Cust mixture was most effective against
the Agrotinae,

Chloropicrin unsatisfactory as e fumigant for cigarette beetle.--W. D.
Reed, of the Richmond, Va., laboratory, reports that the results of a recent
fumigation cxperiment with chloropicrin at atmospheric pressure demonstrated
that this fumigant was not effective against larvae of Lasioderma serricorne
F., and that the residual properties of this fumigant were ere such that it was
retained in the fumigated aes for a long period of time, complicating the
handling of the fumigated tobacco in stdérage. The experiment was performed
in a fumigating chamber 253 by 27 by 9 feet, filled with Pucrto Rican cigar
tobacco in bales of relatively low density, each of which weighed approximately

&+-\

ROG

158 pounds. <A dosage of 2 pounds of liquid chloropicrin was applied for
each 1,000 cubic feet of space, for an exposure period of 47 hours. The
temperature of the tobacco at the beginning of the exposure was 58° F. and
the room temperature was 57°. Some test lots of well-grown larvae of the
cigarette beetle placed in the bales of tobacco at the top and bottom levels
indicated that no appreciable toxicity to the insects was obtained at: this
dosage and exposure period, Owing to pronounced irritating effects on the
eyes, the 278 vales involved in this fumigation test could not be removed
from the chamber until the llth day following the end of the exposure period,
although during this interval the ventilating system was. operated for 44s
hours, ee :
Effectiveness of poisoned-bran bait against green June beetle larvae in
tobacco plant beds.--Norman Allen, of the Florence, S. C., laboratory, re-
ports that, in tests conducted in Februery, a poisoned-tran bait consisting
of 1 pound of paris green to 25 pounds of wheat bran, applied broadcast to
a tobacco plant bed infested by larvae of Cotinus nitida (L.), resulted in
an apparent reduction of approximately 8&8 percent in n the number of new bur=
rows of this pest after the expiration of 72 hours. The plant bed undor
observation, covering an area of slightly less than S00 square yarcs, was
found to have 717 burrows prior to the application of the poisoned bait and
only 87 after the bait had been applied. Some of the tobacco growers ob-
tained satisfactory control of the green June deetle larvae by applying this
bait only around the burrows, Indications were that ‘injury by this pest
was confined to old plant bed sites and such injury could have bcen avoided
‘Dy the selection of new bed sites. It was not possible to determine the
number;of dead grubs because such a procedure would have necessitated the
digging up of the plant bed.

t

Relative suitability of various plants as overwintering vad of beet
leafhopper.—-O. A. Hills and M, fF. “Bowen, of the Grand Junction, Colo., lab-

‘oratory, report thet the hibernation cages placed over. ‘various ost plants

of Hutettix tenellus Bek. last fall, to determine the relative suitability of
such-plants as overwintering hests for the insect, were examined in March,
with the following results: The plants tested in orfer of suitability indi-
cated were; Norta altissima, Lepidiun sp., Cheirinia repanda, Gutierrezia
microcephala, Dondia sp., Artenesia tridentata, Atriplex eoniveeees Atriplex
confertifolia, Juniperus. utahensis. The first three mentionee are fall-
germinated “Mustards end survivel ranged from -bout 4O to 46 percent. The
other six are perennials. Survival cn ee Dondia, anc Artemesia

ranged from about 26 to 30 percent. The mean survival on the Atriplex spp. was

about 11 percent, and no leafhoppers were recovered from the juniper.

Feeding and oviposition responses of sweetpotato weevil adults.--As a

result of experinents to deternine the feading and and oviposition responses of
the adults of Cylas formicarius (im ), K. L. Cockerhon, of the Sunset; Lacy
lnboratory, reports that when the weevil adults were given the opportunity to
choose between young growing sweetpotatc plants and sweetpotato roots,.the
adults fed almost exclusively on the rects and that all of the eggs were de=
posited in the roots.

ways

-INSEC?S ATTECTING MA AND ANIMALS

oe es ee ee retains toxicity to mosquito Lary vae for
lons periocs.--k. H. Bie of the Portland, Oreg., laboratory, reports
that tests vith a lrerosene -pyrethrun ermlsion showod that this material
had not lost its toz ee to third— anc fourth-instar larvne of laborstory-—
reared Aedes vexans Meis. and Aedes aldrichi Dyar and Knab, when applied at
the rate of.25 spllons per acre, even after this material had remained in
storase for 5 yeurs.

affect of cold storase on the tick parasite Hunterellus hookeri Hov.--
C. N. Smith, of the Martha's Vineyard, Mass., lcboratory, in preliminary
tests to determine nethods for mass rearing of these parasites, has found
that sbout 50° FT. is.the optinun temperature at which parasitized nyzmhal
ticks cen te held, althouch storage at 60° was fairly satisfactory. At 60°
here is sone developnent of the parasite inside the nymph, while at 50°
there is less development, or.possivdly none. Storasé: for 21. days at these
temperatures dic not recuce emergence then the storage period. besan fron 2
to { cays after the parasitized nymphs hed croppet, but caused considerable
nortality when the poresites had developed for 12 or nore days before
storagze. The lonzevity of adult perasites was also: increased by storaze
at low te:xperatures. The most favorable te:rmerature for storase appeared
to be 50°. At 60° there was sone ENS: of the parasite and consecuently
a shorter survival than at 50°, when all activity was supprossed. At '10°
there was no activity of the ee but recovery was less satisfactory
than at 50°. The maximum longevity at 50° was actually 13 days ene the nazi

ae LAL

mun at 60° was actually 11 2S Lonzevity at 80° was often less than 2
hours anc almost invariably less than Ug hours

Wettadle sulphur -spparontly effective in Sob on eats cattle lice,--
Experiments conducted at the sonora, Tex., lavoratory by 0. G. Babcock indi-
cate that 325—mesh wettoble ‘sulphur is effective in controlling Linognathus
vituli L., when animals are dizped three tines at ll-Gay intervals. Fifty—

eight heac of cattle were used in these tests ant at the time of the second
Eaeninis only a few lice coulec be founc. One very heavily infested cow |
harbored only a few live fe:ale lice on the face anc nose. After the third
@ipping not a single louse could be found on any of the cattle or calves,
The strength of the dip was 10 pounds of sulphur to 100 gallons of wzter.

Glycero-voric acid a oppare ntly not effective as a preventive of screw-

worn infestation in wounds.--Tests ‘conducted at the xe Dallas s, Tex., labora-

tory indicate that glycero—boric acic, Wiiclh hes been reported as an excel-
lent matorial for preventin:; blowfly "strike" of sheep in Australia, pre-
vents only 55 percent infestations of wounds by C. anericane for periods of
0 to 4 hours anc -is entirely ineffective after 28 hours.

Effect of tonperature — sterility of prinary screworn fly.--According
to axperinents concucted sat the -Menarc, fex., laboratory, when pupas of Soch-
dionyia americana C. anc P. cevelop at a te:perature of 35° C. or higher, th the
resultin® mad males are sterile, but the fertility of the females is apparently
little affected, This phenomenon was not observec in 0. macellaria and

-20-

Phormia regina Meig. (Menard strains) reared under similar conditions.
These studies further indicated that from 2 to 4 days! exposure at hich
temperatures is required to produce sterility, the shorter period being
during the early pupal cevelopnent.

FOREIGN PLANT QUARANTINES

Damage to corks by a microlepidopteron,--Two living adults of the
lyonetiid Oinophila v-flava Haworth were intercopted at New York on July
el, 1937, in a case of liquor in cargo from Englanc, A. Busck reports
as follows; "An interesting little noth of African.origin, introduced long
ago into Murope, where its larvae feed on a fungus, Zosmidiun, growing in
old wine cellers; quite commonly the corks of the wine bottles are
attacked and made leaky, causing appreciable loss of wine in storage. This
is, as far as I know, the first record in North America. The introduction
of the species here is possible and should be guarded against."

Banana leaf spot.~-The banana leaf spot (Cercospora nusae Zim.) (see
News Letter dated March 1, 1938 (vol. V, no. 3, £. 19)) has been found in
Puerto Rico, Its CGistribution there is not known as yet, An infected leaf
fragment showing nusierous spots of various sizes, some of the oldsr ones
with scattering acervuli, was found in cargo from Honduras on March 31 at
Charleston, S. C. The leaf was heavily coated witn blue spray deposit in-
Gicating that it was from one of the plantings which are kept sprayed with
bordeaux nixture to hold the disease in check. Numerous spores were
present on the leaf surface.

Helninthosporiun sp. on tomato.--Several interceptions of a new
fruit spot of tomato have been made, particularly at Brownsville, Tex.,
on tomatoes from Mexico. The spots are derk, grayish,and felt like. ‘The
fungus seens to be a species of Helminthosporiun not reported as occurring
on tomato. It is hoped that it will be possible to get the fungus in pure
culture and its status deteriiined dy specialists. There has been sufficient
spotting on some shipments to indicate that the disease might become quite
serious. The fungus may be the same species as that intercepted on to-
matoes from Haiti and noted on page 9 of the News Letter issued on March 1,

1938.

Entonological interceptions of interest.--A living larva of the Mexi-
can fruitfly (Anastrepha ludens Loew) was intercepted at Bl Pasc, Tex., on
February 5 in a sapote in baggage from Mexico, Living larvae of the Medi-
terranean fruitily (Ceratitis cepitate Wd.) arrived at Boston on Decenber
12,-1937, in’a tangerine in ship's stores from Italy. Two livinz adults”
of the bruchid Phelonerus aberrans (Sharp) were taken at Honolulu, Hawaii,
on April 7, 1957, in a pod of Cassia sp, in the mail from the Canal Zone.
A living specinen of the bean po@ borer (Maruca testulalis Geyer) was inter
cepted at San Pedro, Calif., on November 29, 1937, with lei (Canavalia sp.)
in a stateroom cn a ship from Hawaii. Living adults of Bruchus rufipes Host. |
were found at New Orleans on Deceiiber 6, 1937, in vetch seed mixed with
rye-straw packing in cergo fron Portugal. <A living larva of the European

apie

corn borer -(Pyrausta nubilalis Hbn.) was intercepted at Soattlc, Wash.,

on January: 4 in the center of a branch of Paconia (Moutan) in cargo fron
Japan, Living specimens of the coreid Mesocerus marginatus L. wore found
at Washington,-D. C., on Decenber 30, 19357, with straw and noss packing
for Juglans, Corylus, and grape cuttings in express from Polanc, Thirteen
living and two dead larvae of the pink bollworn (Pectinophora gossypiella
Saund.) were taken at Chicago, Ill., on January 11 in two ounces of seed
cotton in the mail from Italy. A living specimen of the earwig Labia curvi-
cauda (Motsch.) was intercepted at San Francisco on Novenber 30, 1937, on
an orchid (Cattleya sp.) in cargo from Colombia, <A living larva of the
“Mango weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae F.) was intercepted ot Blaine, Wash.,
on February 11 in a manzo seed in a woman's purse from New Zealand, Six
living adults of the weevil Apion wlicis Forst. arrived at New York on
Aucust 15, 1937, in furze (Ulex Sp.) seed and pods in baggage fron Ireland.

Pathological interceptions of interest.--Cytospora sp. was inter-
cepted on Macrozania sp. from Australia in mail at San Francisco on February
24. No previous reports of a Cytospora on this host were found. An inter-
esting leef spot of Ruscus in cargo from Italy was intercepted on March 15
at Philadelphia, The spots were large, irregular, light colorec, and seened
to shade off to the color of the rest of the leaf in some places, instead
of having a sharp margin, The pathogen was evicently a Phyllosticta but
there was not enough material for study. Fuccinia incondita Arth. (first
interception) was intercepted on Tebruary 22 at Brownsville on Solanun tri-
quetrun, Arthur's manual lists this rust as occurring on this host only
and its distribution as southern Texas. Small sclerotia occurring in abun~
dance on Nerine appendiculata and li. sarniensis could be deterninedc as
Sclerotiun sp. only. The odulbs were intercepted in nail fron South Africa
on Narch 16 at Seattle. Septoria alliorum West. was the name given a fun-
Sus causing a disease of leeks from France intercepted on February 24 at
New York, but the species description and specimen did not agree entirely.

DOMESTIC PLANT QUARANTINES

Grasshoppeor-—control work under way.--Such activities as checking bait
Materials on hand, arranging for assistance by county asents, and meeting
with farmers, are under way by the Federal and State forces in Coloradc,
I@aho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota,
Oklahona, South Dakota, and Texas and dates have been set for early confer-
ences on organization work in other States. Training conferences with field
workers aere held in March at points in Texas, Oklehoma, and North Dekota.

The uniform method of naking nymphal surveys in order to determine the hatch—
ing tine was covered at these conferences in order to determine the tine

for applying the first bait in the different lccalities of the various States.
This information will be made available to county agents so that the job can
be done effectively and with a minimum quantity of bait., Ccntrol mcthods as
related to the biology of the insect, fart practices, anc the extension pro-
gram ine-the differcnt States were also discussed. <A manual of instructions
has been supplied to supervisors anc State leaders. An initial supply of
bait has been shipped to each of the affected States where grasshoppors

have developed to the stage where early control measures are neeted. Sup-
plics to other States will be made available in advance of the period when
control work should be started.

aoe

Mormon cricket control werk organized.--Personal contacts have been
made with State officers in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Orezon,
Utah, Washington, and Wyoning with the result that satisfactory cooperative
working prograts have beén completed in each of these States. The key per-
sonnel has been selected, district supervisors appointed, and initial pur-
chases made of poison dust. Small-dusting units of Fram = to 1 hop. (are:
being purchased by the States and other organizations. suboffices heve
been established at Boise, Idaho, and Billings, Mont., the latter through

the cooperation of the University extension service. The area to be dusted

in the above States and in North Dakota and South Dakota is estimated at
454.500 acres.

Inspection for larvae of white-fringed beetle.--Larval inspection is
being conducted in the vicinity of New Orleans, La., in Harrison ane Jones
Counties, Miss., and in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Ala., with special
attention to nurseries and to properties adjacent to known infested areas.
An infestation of Naupactus leucoloma 50h. was recently founc at New Or-
leans on a 10-mile area-along the river front, contisucus to the known in-
fested area. The new species of Namactus was also found at Long Beach,
Miss., near Gulfport.

White-fringed beetle control activities.--Surveys are approaching con-
pletion for the construction of outside barrier ditches and rights-of-way

around infested properties in the Mississippi towns of Laurel, Gulfport,
Landon, McHenry, and Saucier in the same manner that such barriers were cones

structed last year in the Florala, Ala., area. In the latter area, the work

of discing lanc, clearing fence rows and brush land, anc constructing ter-
races-is approaching completion. Contact work with farmers and property
owmers igs completed in all infested areas except Pensacola, Fla., and in all
these areas the indications are, according to project leader J. M, Corliss,
that "cooperation will be all that could be hoped for." The educational
campaign which has been carried on throughout the winter and participated
in by variovs organizations such as Hotary Clubs, extension entomologists,

county agents, and local groups, has proved well worth while. Personal con-

tacts are necessitated in many instances, owing to the large populaticn of
negroes that cannot be reached in any other way. In New Orleans idle land

near the docks has been cleared and ditches and levees are being constructed

for the purpose of flooding the known infested area in. this lowland at
avout the peak of the pupal period and keeping it flooded until enerzence
is over, This plan hes the sanction of cooperators, A light film of oa2

to be used on the water is expected to be effective against advlt beetles ;

that may be trapped thereon,

Sweetpotato weevil inspection and eradication,--Survey work in March
was extended into new torritory in 16 countics in Texas, Mississippi, and
Alabama, and weevils were found in the Texas counties of Sabine and San Au-
gustine. Such a survey was made possible through the examination of old
storage banks, which were then cleaned and destroyed. A heavy infestation
of sweetpotato weevils founc on seaside morning-glories on Mobile Bay is
believed to be the sotrrce of an infest-tion of sweetpotatoes found last sure
ner a mile away in Mobile County, Ala. ne State is employins W. P. A. la-

bor to eradicate the norning-glorics in two counties and to clean sweetpotato |

ass ess ees oe

ao «ma ee

a 1 ee pe

a

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=25=

fields. Inspection has been nade, jointly with the States, on practically
all properties whore infestation was located last sumer in the States of
Alabana, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, ani Texas. Spring volunteer
plants are now appearing in the fields and inspectors are making every ef-
fort to have them eradicated. The trapping of sweetpotato weevils by plac-
ing occasional tubers in cleaned fields has proved to be an important fac-
tor in determining the weevil population in a given area and the extent of
the infestation.

Peach-inspection force increased.--The States affected by the phony
peach and peach nosaic diseases are increasing their inspection force for
the coming field season. Of the 190 inspectors, the States are assigning
52, the counties 10, and 42 inspectors are relief empleyees who are trained
to carry on such work, There is increased cocperation in the West. Con-
sidernble educational work has been done in the high-school agricultural
classes, civic clubs, and other organizations.

Peach tree~rencval activities extended.--An adcitional allotnent of
$16,000 from the emergency rolief appropriation will make it possible to
extend the work of removing abandonec peach orchards in the States affected
with the peach mosaic disease. The eradication of abandoned and escaped
peach trees for the control of the peach mosnie and phony peach diseases
was continued in March in Alabana, Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, Ten-
nessee, California, Colorado, New Mexico, end Texas. Field work in Utah
is being resuned.

Sumiary of citrus canker work 1935-3/.--A report of the results of
citrus canker activities tc the close of 1957. shows that in this 2-year in-=
tensive campaign of Federal-State inspection, 58 properties were found in-
fected, of which 46 were in Texas and 12 in Louisiana, all in the noncon-
mercial citrus-growing areas. Only 45 properties had been reported in Texas
during the 13 preceding years. In 1937, canker was found on three proper-
ties in Louisiana and two in Texas, These were in arcas formerly known to
be infected. Winety—-nine percent of the sbandoned and escaped citrus trees
have been destroyed in the infected arcas, the remaining trees consisting
principally of yard plantings of satsumas resistant to canker and easily
inspected. .

Citrus canker program for 1938.--The eradication prceject has reached
the stage where the work in the infected States will consist principally in
reinspecting the relatively few plantings of edible citrus, inspecting each
spring and fall all properties found infected since 1935, and reworking
with labor crews all properties where parent trees have heen destroyed, do-
ing this work chiefly in the fall and winter when tiny seedlings are more

@asily distinguished, Oil will be applied to prevent further seedling

growth, Some inspection will be done in Alabama. As heretofore, the work
will be done jointly with State inspectors,

Willful violators fined.--Transit inspection at the New York City
flower markets during the last Christmas season resuited in the prosecution
and fine of $25 cf a trucker who had transported Christmas greenery from
Connecticut to New York without gypsy moth inspection and cert

wo ie

Peach nursery stock shipments ‘checked,--Transit inspectors are
checking shipments of peech and other host plants of phony peach and
peach mosaic diseases and supplying State officers with information as
to any violations of State quarantines relating to these pests.

Japanese beetle quarantine regulations revised.--The regulaticns
of Federal quarantine No. 48 were revised, effective April 11, to include
as the principal change the extension of regulated area in New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginie, and West Virginia,

CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

Deposits of lead arsenate from talc-lead arsenate dusts.—-In labor—
atory tests with a dust made of lead arsenate and talc, B. R. McGovran
and Percy Jones, of the Beltsville, Md., laboratory, in cooperation with
L. D. Goodhue and ©. CS. Cassil, of the Division of Insecticids Investiga-
tions, report that the percentage of lead arsenate in dust deposited in
a settling chamber varied considerably. When a fraction of tale made up
of fine particles of fairly uniform sizo was mixed with leed arsenate and
the deposits collected for 20, 30, and 245 seconds, at intervals of 5, 25,
and 55 seconds, respectively, after the dust wos released, the amounts of
lead arsenate in the denosits were 3.04,3.12, ond 2.59 percent, respective-
ty. As compared'with this, when commercial talc was mixed with lead ar-
senate and the deposits collected for 10; 35, and 550 seconds at intervals
of 5, 15, and 50 seconds, respectively, after the cust was released, the
amounts of lead arsenate in the deposits were 2.41, 3.23, and 4.95 per-
cent, respectively. The fine tnle mixture contained 2.81 percent lead
arsenate and the commercial tale mixture, 2.89 percent. It was also re
ported that the fine tale-lead arsenate dust mixture was slightly more
toxic to southern armyworm larvae than was the commercial tale-lecd ar-
senate dust.

INSECTICIDN INVESTIGATIONS

Method for analysis of phenothiagine.--L. EH. Suith has described a
method for the chemical evaluation of commercial phenothiazine sold for
use as an insecticide, which consists in extracting the material in a
tarcad Soxhlet thimble with cther in the usual menner (Indus. Engin, Chen,
Analyt, Zd-, vol. 10, no. 2, p. 60, Febs 15, 1938). | The residues when
consists of the impurities prasent, is determined from the increase in
weight of the dried thimble, Six samples of phencthiazine scold fer use
as an insecticide when analyzed in this way tested better than 98—percent
pure.

An improved crystallization method for determination of rotenone in
derris and cube,--H, A. Jones and J, J. 1. Graham have recently deseribed
a nethod for the determinetion of rotenone in samples of rvots (Jour. Assoc.
Off. Agr. Chen., vol. 21, no. 1, pp. L4S-151. Feb. 1958). The ceumens,
powdered root is extracted with chloroform and the rotencne in an aliquot
of the filtered extract is determined according to a modification of the
carbon-tetrachloride method. In the analyses of 31 samples of derris and

=e

cube, some containing as high as 10 percent rotenone, the results of the
two authors never differed more than 0.4 percent, and the average dif-
ference was only 0.2 percent. Equally as good results should be obtained
by any careful analyst.

Determination of nicotine on apples sprayed with nicotine bentonite.—--

L, WN. Markwood has described, a method for determining the small quantities of
nicotine remaining on epples after they have been sprayed with nicotine bento-
nite (Jour. Assoc. Off. Agr: Chem., vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 151-155. Feb. 1938).
The nicotine residue is removed from the apples by dipping them in boiling
dilute hydrochloric acid containing a small quantity of brucine, Brucine, an
alkaloid which is not volatile with steam, replaces the nicotine in the
bentonite. Recovery by this method is practically 100 percent.

Wetting properties of triethanolamine oleate.--H, L. Cupples has
tested the wetting properties of solutions of triethanolamine oleate accord-
ing to the methods developed by hin for the study of wetting properties of
various soaps (Jour. Econ, Ent., vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 68-70. Feb. 1938). At
concentrations from 0,01 to 1.00 percent oleic acid the wetting power of
aquoous triethanolamine-oleic acid mixtures increases with increase of the
ratio of tricthanolamine to olcic acid, at least up to the mole ratio 6.0.

At moderatly high concentrations, such as 1.00 percent oleic acid, there is

no abrupt. change in wetting properties in the vicinity of the ratio 1.00 :
(point of equivalence), such as occurs when the base is a caustic alkali. So-
lutions of triethanolamine oleate readily produce a stable foam and the na
teriol has a number of desirable properties which make it an efficient wetting
agent.

Effect of insect attack on rotenone content of stored cube root.--H. A,
Jones has reported the analysis of cube root infested with Dinoderus bifoveola—
tus Woll. (Jour. Econ, Ent., vol. 31, no. 1, p. 127. Feb. 1938). The rotenone
content of the powder produced by the insects tunneling through the root was
only 2bout one-fourth to one-half as much as that of the original whole root.
However, there was no reduction in the rotenone content of the entire material
as the result of the insect attack, as shown by the fact that the net rotenono
content of the whole sample, when the relative weights of whole root and
powder are taken into account, was about the same as that of the original
sample of whole root,

A new constitucnt cf pyrethrum flowers,--. G, Rese and il. L. Haller
have reported the occurrence of a colorless crystalline compound in pyre-
throm flowers (Jour. Organic Chen., vol. 2, no. 5, pp. 48-488. Nov. 1937,
rec'd, April 1938). This compound melts at 201° C. and has the fornula
C} 7HooU5. This corpound has been called chrysnanthine,.

New synthetic insecticides patented.--D. L. Vivian and H. L. Haller
have recently bcen granted four United States patents covering the use as
insecticides of certain synthetic orgenic compounds. U. S. Patent 2,110,61u
Covers the use of phenagine as an insecticide. This has shown promising re-

sults when tested against codling moth larvae. U. S. Patent 2,110,896 covers

~23~

the use as an insecticide of 1~(o-tolylazo)~2-naphthol end certain other

azo compounds. In preliminary tests these have shown high toxicity to mo-
squito larvae. U. S. Patent 2,110,897 covers the use as an insecticide of
4-phenylazo-l-naphthol and certain related compounds. These elso are quite
toxic to mosquito larvae. U. S. Patent 2,111,879 covers the use as an in-
secticide of l-phenylazo-2-naphthylanine and certain related compounds, At
a concentration of 1 part to 200,000 parts of water this compound killed 94
percent of cvulicine mosquito larvae within 15 hours. E

BEE CULTURE :

oe stinulates brood rearing.--Warren Whitcorb, Jit .),, Ot, the
Southern States bee culture laboretory, Baton Rouge, La., Sei REL at the
end of March oa preliminary data this year indicate, as did last year's
data, that queens in colonies subjected to heavy shaking tend to be stinu-
lated in their brood-rearing activity and thus are able to maintain their
nornal populations. He also stated: "To date colonies shaken heavily this
season have yielded 9.5 poinds of bess per colony, colonies shaken lightly
have yielded 4.0 pounds of bees, two Q-queen colonies shaken ot 7-day in-
tervals have yielded 18.8 pounds, and two e@-queen colonies shaken at 10-day
intervels have yielded 12.6 pounds. A study of populetions in these colo-
nies at present would not reveal sisnificant difference,"

Bees require low relative hunicity end high temperature.-~A, W.
Wocdrow,. of the Intermountain States bee culture laboratory, Laramic, Wyo.,
reports that continued experinents on the effects of relative hunidity on
caged bees support his previous findings that relative hunicities of fron
20 to 30 percent, with the temmerature at 85° F., are much more favorable
to the bees than are higher relative hunidities. The length of life of
bees fed 50-percent~sucrose solution vas from two to seven tines as great
with such relative hunidities as that of becs kept at relative hunidities
of from 53 to 86 percent. A 50-percent-sucrose solution is a nore satis-
factory food than honey or cedar honeydew.

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS

Larvae of an economic South American weevil addec to collection.—-
E, J. Hambleton, of Sao ‘Sao Paulo, Brazil, has recently forwarded for the
National Museum collection a large :¢ cone oF nicely nressrved specimens of
the curculionid Gasterocercodes braziliensis Hambleton. This species, which
is an important pest of cotton in Brazil, has been intensively studied by
Mr. Hanbleton, who has recently Aina gta an excellent paper discussing it
n detail.

Sitophilus oryza L.--The specific name of the rice weevil, usually
spelled oryzae, is properly spelled oryza.

Ancther Zuropean weevil recorded from North America.--A specinen of
Brachyrhinus raucus F,, a Burcpean species, Tapered "Sorente, Canada,

Telos iase ;, Parish," has been presented to the National Museun by Peter

Me Ting, of the California: department of agriculture, who has two similarly

=20

labeled specimens. The species has not been previously reported from North
Anerica. It is said to be common and widely distributed in Europe, where
it has been reported as injurious to a variety of plants.

Tabanus oklahonensis Stone in the Carolinas.--In a small lot of,

abanidae from L. L. Pechunan were a male and female collected along Route 301
on April 2, 1937--one near Florence, S. C., the other in North Carolina. The
only other material of this species in the National Museum consists of a nun
ber of specimens collected.in April in Atoka and Johnston Counties, Okla.

The species is closely related to I. carolinensis Macq., which occurs con-
nonly in the East but also extends to Oklahoma. The two species are quite
distinct, although carolinensis has been collected in Oklahoma and oklahoncn-
sis in the Carolinas, The former flies until lote in July, whereas the latter
has never been collected after April 26,

Additions to blackfly collection.--C. R. Twinn, of the entcmological
branch, department of agriculture, Ottawa, Canada, recently visited the
National Museun, bringing with him for deposit here a number of Canadian Sin~
uliidae, inclucing paratypes of nine species not hitherto represented in the
collection. Mr. Twinn spent several dsys studying the Dyar and Shannon
species and took with him a number of specimens in exchange for those he
brought.

Note on a parasitic ant.--On July 4, 1936, J. C. Bridwell collected
at Kearney Station, Arlington County, Ya., a winged queen of a species of
Anergates, which, in the opinion of M. R. Smith, may prove to be that of the
Buropean atratulus. This record is of nore than usual interest in that this
appears to be only the second time that any species of Anergates has been
taken in North America. A. atratulus (Schenck), which is represented only
by the queen and male castes, is an interesting parasite of the Huropeen
pavenent ant (Tetranoriun caespitun (L.)). The host species when parasitized
contains only the worker caste.

New distridution and host records for a recently described aphid. -—-
Rhopalosiphun suvterraneum Mason was identified fron Haworthia iargaritifera
(San Francisco Interception No. 13552) and fron Echinocactus quehlianus (San
Francisco Interception No. 13553), both fron Japan. This aphic, waich is in-
juricus to cotton roots in the scutheastern seaboard area, has been taken
from a number of hosts in the United States, out never fron Faworthia or

—

Menbers of the cactus family. This is the first record from foreign countries.

---000---

x UNIrZD STATES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

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BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

VOLUME V~\\'),

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
LE PS peed ig Pr BN 1D

FOR APRIL 1938

ee a a rrr rrr rer er errr

er i i a a a a a a a a a a a a ee

CHIEF OF BUREAU RECEIVES ADVANCED DEGREE

-On May 30 Louisiana State University conferred the honorary degree
of doctor of science on Lee A, Strong, chief of this Bureau.

FRUIT INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Gum arabic as a dispersing agent for lead arsenate spray in turf
treatment.--In the treatment of turf for destruction of Japanese beetle

larvae, acid lead arsenate is applied as a spray with a high-power
sprayer, the spray residue on the grass being washed off with clear water
immediately after its application. In order to facilitate the removal
of the spray residue from the grass, tests with different dispersing
agents have been made by W. EZ. Fleming and E. D. Burgess, of the Moores-
town laboratory, in cooperation with the Divisions of Insecticide Inves-
tigations ‘and Japanese Beetle Control. It was found that the addition
of gum arabic to the spray solution in the tank at the rate of 2 pounds
to 1,000 gallons of spray solution produced a much more uniform deposit
on the grass, and that the deposit on the grass was removed by the wash-
ing more completely ‘than when‘a dispersing agent was not used. Of the
dispersing agents tried, gum srabic was the most satisfactory and its use
has been CEM to the rien Se of Japanese Beetle Control,

More on ethylene dichloride for peach borer control.--In coopera-
tion with the State ‘Natural History Survey of Illinois, experiments with

ethylene dichloride ‘emulsion applied in the early spring for the control
of the peach borer have just been completed in southern Illinois and
Oliver I. Snapp, in‘charge of this work, has submitted the following sun—
mary of the results obtained from this material, as compared with para~
dichlorobenzene crystals. There was no preparation whatever of the soil
around the trees before the cthylene dichloride emulsion was applied for
these early spring experinents, and the application of that naterial was
made by merely povring the dose.on the soil around tho base of the tree
and on the lower part of the trunk, from a half=pint tin cup, covering the
treated surface with a little soil. The results of these oxperinents

show that ethylene dichloride emulsion is about as effective against the
peach borer when applied early in the spring as at any Nagees season of

the year, and it gave excellent ccntrol of the insect at a time when para-
dichlorobenzene crystals gave practically no control, es oe of low soil
temperatures, Ethylene dichloride emulsion is safer than paradichloro-
benzene for use on peach trees, especially on young trees, and is sonewhat

ees

cheaper and easier to apply, in addition to its effectiveness at tines
when paradichlorobengene crystals give poor results.

Demonstration of shade cloth for control of dried-fruit. insects.--
A test of the effectivenass of shade-cloth protection over drying peaches
was nade in 1937 by the Dried Fruit Association of California and the Bx
tension Service of the College of Agriculture, University of California, |
cooperating. The cloth was furnished by the Agricultural Adjustment Adnin-
istration as a part of the program for developing new outlets. for gotton.
The Fresno laboratory of the Bureau took part in planning the denonstration
and H. C. Donchoe supervised the examination of samples. About 265 shects
of cloth, 27 by 28 feet, were distributed to 76 growers in 14 counties, Ac-
ceptable samples were submitted by 76 percent of the growers. The samples
of peaches that had been dried on stacked trays without protection averaged
45,2—=percent infested by the raisin moth (Bphestia figulilella Greg.),
whereas the infestation of peaches that had been protected by shade cloth
was 8.7 percent. j ;

MEXICAN FRUIT SLY CONTROL

Populations lower than in 1937/.--Larval infestations were found on
217 premises Gurins February, March, and April. This was a reduction of
845 infestations fron the total for 1936-37. The fly population also
showed a marked decrease. In 1937 at the end of April 3,795 flies had
been trapped, whereas for the same period this scason only-510 specimens
had been taken, The annual clean-up of fruit Missed by the harvesters
will start on May 2. The nunbers of adults and larvae identified in April
(Anastrepha ludens Loew) are shown in the following table.

Location : Specimens : Premises: Collections

Adults tr apped : : g

Tey ae : 21h, sii OG : =

Laredo--------- 3 3 : 3) H en
Adults from cages: ; :

Vel ees : 69 Sl ae : 22
Larval infos- : :

tations : H H
Valley---------- : -~ H 79 : 79

The harvesting season for citrus in the Rio. Grande Valley of Texas
closed at nidnight, April 30. Total production was almost the sane as for
last year, namely, approxinately 30,700 equivalent carloads. ,

CEREAL AND FORAGE INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Personnel changes.~-W. 3B. Cartwright, formerly in charge of the Sacra-
mento, Calif., laboratory, has boen transferred to Lafayette, Ind., for the
purpose of taking over the coordination of all the research work on the ‘
hessian fly now being carried on by this Division, Mr. Cartwright has been
relieved of administrative duties so that his entire time will be available

-4-

for the coordination and prosecution of hessian fly work. By this means,
it is hoped to make our cooperative investigations on the control of:
hessian fly more effective than heretofore. P. Luginbill has been placed
in administrative charge of the Lafayette laboratory and L. G. Jones is
now in charge of the Sacramento, Calif., laboratory.

JAPANESE BEETLE CONTROL

Early gypsy moth hatch.--District inspectors in the New England
States report that for the first time in many years hatching of gypsy
moth eggs was observed in April. The wnusually early hatch’is attributed
to periods of above-normal temperatures in March and April,. reaching g9° F,
in one instance, On April 27 hatching was observed in the following towns:
Pomfret, Conn.; Keene, N..H.; Holliston, Greenfield, and Westfield, Mass.;
and Cranston, R. I, Other hatches noted late in the month were in the
towns of Stonington, Conn.; Rochester, N. H.; Stoughton, Mass.; and Putney
and Westerly, R. I.

Gypsy moth egg clusters removed during inspection.--Among shipments
inspected during April were 15 from whicn gypsy moth egg clustérs were re-
noved. The nost heavily infested shipments were carloads of lunber in-
spected at Deering Junction, Maine, and at Rochester, N, H., destined to
Niagara Falls and Garden City, N. Y. The first shipment yielded 5 egg
clusters, the latter 10, and in all, 26 egg clusters were removed by the
district inspectors.

Bureau field stations cooperate in determining Japanese beetle
spread.—-Arrangenents have been made with the several divisional leaders
for the operation of a dozen Japanese bectle traps in the vicinity of each
field station of the Buresu throughout the United States, Where there are
‘several divisional field stations in a single locality, one of the stations
has been selected for the cooperative trapping work. Approximately 125
field stations will receive these traps. Brief instructions for assembly
and operation of the traps are sent to each station head. All specimens
caught in the traps are to be forwarded to the Bloomfield, N. J., field
headquarters for identification. The first traps to be placed in the
field were set on April 12 at Fort Myers, Fla., Las Cruces, N, Mex., and
Fabens, Tex.

Methyl bromide approved _as Japanese beetle funigant for potatoes in
refrigerator cars.-~Adninistrative instructions approved on April 30 au-
thorize the fumigation of potatoes in dry refrigerator cars with methyl
bronide at a dosage of 2 pounds per 1,000 cubic feet of space, including
the space cccupied by the potatoes and the bunkers of the cars. <A 2-hour
funigation period at a mininmun temperature of 70° F. is provided. Circu-
lation of the gas-air mixture is required. Deternination by the Division
of Control Investigations that such treatment is effective against the
Japanese beetle is a boon to potato shippers on the Eastern Shores of Mery-
land and Virginia, as it will permit fumigation-of the loaded cars at Wil-
mnington, Del., and Philadelphia, Pa,, the principal diversion points,
thereby eliminating the prefunigatiam of all refrigorator cars noved into
the Eastern Shore during tho potato~shipping season, At a meeting held at
Onley, Va., on April 25, attended by farmers, shippers, railroad officials,

; —.

Virginia State representatives, and members of the Divisional staff, it
was unanimously agreed that all refrigerator.cars loaded with potatoes
destined to nonregulated territory would be fumigated at the diversion
point; also, that refrigerator cars to be used in transporting beans and
other quarantined farm products would be protected by screens while being
prefumigated and Llonded. '

Soil treatments at isolated Japanese beetle infestations.—-Applica—
tion of lead arsenate at Japanese beetle infestations outside the recently
extended regulated territory began for the year at Atlanta, Ga., on April
5. Treatment of 17.8 acres in the Druid Hills section of the city was com-
pleted on Aprild. At South Bend, Ind., 37.1 acres were sprayed with the
insecticide between April 12 and 27. Soil treatments were started in Ro-
chester, Ne, ee On April V6, and) inwirice,> ha... On Apmid: 25. Approxinately
70’ acres will be treated in Rochester and approximately 36 acres in Erie.
One’ of the Division's spray trucks left the New Cunberland, Peay warehouse
on April 28 for Charlottesville, Va., to assist in a smail soil- treating
project there. In each instance, these control progrons are sponsored by .
the State, city, or other agency, ané this Bureau mrerly furnishes the
spray enone and men for its operation and Subetys Sone

Gun arabic improves lead arsenate spray for Japanese beetle in soil. =e
At the suggestion of the Division of Fruit Insect Investi Gations,. the usual
formula for lead arsenate soil spray—--l pound.of lead arsenate to a gallon
of water—-has been nodified by the addition of 2 pounds of gum arabic
(cleaned amber sorts) to 1,000 pounds of the spray solution. Field trials
with this material are Bone made to check on the investigational work,
which indicates that the addition of gum arabic Pal seen Mixtures that:
tend to remain in suspensicn for a longer period of tine than ‘does acid

lead arsenate alone, This mixture reduces the amount of spray residue on ~~~

the blades of grass and on the ground and significantly increases the ef-
fectiveness of the treatment in killing Japanese beetle larvae in the soil,
Reduction in the spray residue decreases the amount of clear water neces-
sary to wash in the spray solution, field treatments with this material
are being made in connection with the’ soil treatments now in progress in

o>

Erie, Pa., and Rochester, MN, Y.

Valve controls nodified on dual-tanked spray tracks .--Several of the
Division's: spray trucks equipped with two tank conpartuents, to permit con-
tinuous operation by the preparation of one tankful of solution while the
other is being emptied, have been further adapted to the soil-treatment
work by the installation of independent valves on each compartuent. This
makes’ it possible to pump lead arsenate through a hose line’ and to shift
valves immediately so that clear water may be pumped through the same hose
lines to wash in the lead arsenate spray. This adaptation makes it pos-
sible to complete enall spray jobs at isolated points more econonically
than when the spraying ond washing operations are performed in successive
loadings of both tanks. <A single outfit of this type will cover a minimum
of 1 acre per day. Tanks with the new valve action were used at Atlanta,
Ga.

Survey of newly regulated Japanese beetle Aen SCS. were about
completed by April 450 of all nursery and greenhouse establis hments in. the
area included in the Japanese beetle regulated zone with the extension of

|

ress pees FS eres

ae

area effective April 11. Post offices, express agencies, and freight
stations were visited and supplied with copies of revised regulations.

Selective elm sanitation in Connecticut.--Selectivo elm sanitation,
comprising in some instances clear-cutting of elms on estates or small
properties and in others removal of all elms of low vitality, was started
in Fairfield County, Conn., the middle of April. The work will be con-
fined to the vicinity of the first confirmations of 1937 in the towms of
Redding and Weston, and in small swamp concentrations in the center of
the most heavily infected zones in Greenwich and Stamford. ‘Clear-cutting
of chemically injected trees at Branford was started as soon as sanitation
crews completed removal of dead and dying trees in New Haven County,

Increase in Dutch elm disease personnel.--During April, the VW. P. A.
personnel was increased from 1,496 to 2,242, New men were referred for
interview on April 4 and 5 by the Connecticut W, P. A. headquarters and
were immediately assigned to work. In New Haven the number of eligible .
men referred cxceeded the number requisitioned, Difficulty was initially
experienced in filling the New York quota of 631 men. Later the 7. P. A.
district office was authorized to assign single nen that were available
through local welfare agencies. Personnel in Indianapolis, Ind., was in-
creased by the employment of 14 men on regular funds.

Health-test crews on watershed.--Three Dutch eln disease sanitation
crews in Passaic County, N. J., composed of nen who had qualified ina |
"Fidal—test," were assigned to dead- and dying-tree scouting and removal
work on Newark watershed property. Blanket approval has been granted for
removal of all devitalized elms on this extensive tract. :

April Dutch elm disease confirnmations.--Laboratory reports were re+
ceived during the month covering 35 confirmations and 4,005 miscellaneous
cases. The laboratory recéived 2,215 samples submitted by the several
States, as follows: Connecticut, 716; New Jersey, 574; New York, 4496; States
outside the major infected area, 429.

Tree-riedication tests.—-In cooperation with the Morristown, N. J.,.
laboratory of the Division or forest Pathology, Bureau of Plant Industry,
859 elms with an average d.b.h. of 9.19 inches wore injected with zinc
chloride to determine the suitability of this chemical as a killing agent
and elm bark beetle repellent. ;

Athens, Ohio, elm sanitation program resuned.--Sanitation activities
in the area surrounding the single Dutch elm disease confirmation at Athens,
Ohio, were resumed on April 18, with a personnel of 3 appcinted and 14 per
diem workers, :

FOREST INSECTS

s on old forest fire area reexanined,--The last weck in
pril, F. P. Keen, of the Portland, Oreg., forest-insect labcratory, as-
Sisted a group of foresters in reexaning sample plots established on the
Deschutes National Forest of Oregon in 1916 following a 10,000-acre forest ,
fire in ponderosa pine of August 29, 1915. . Subsequent: losses fron bark
beetles and wind throw, tree growth, forage, and reproduction conditions

=G-

were studied on three plots representing heavy, mediun, and light burn.
Insects have played an important part in determining subsequent losses,
beth on the burn and in adjoining unburned stands,

Douglas fir bectle complicates selective logging of Douglas fir,--In
1936 a light selective cutting of Douglas fir was combined with salvase of
wind-thrown timber near Cushman Lake, on the Olympic National Forest. The
total stand including the down trees on the area amounted to about 10 nil-
lion board feet. Subsequent to the wind throw, which occurred in the winter
of 1934-35, Dendroctonus pseutotsugae Hopk. attacked and developed one gen—
eration in the wind-thrown trees, according to R. L. Furniss, Portiand,
Orege. In 1936 the progeny from this attack emerged and attacked numerous
reserve trees that were left in the sslective-cutting area. Mortality was
ereatest- where the heaviest cut (about 50 percent) has been nade. Agena
result of the killing, it was necessary to reenter the area in 1937 and
salvage the insect-killed trees. On April 15, 1938, en examination dis-
closed the fact that it will be necessary to repeat the salvage operation.
Most of-the trees that are now dead were attacked in 1936 but had not
turned: color sufficiently to be noticeable last year.

University students visit forest-insect: labcratory.--On April 20, 1938,
the forest pathology class from the University of Idaho at Moscow, compris—
ing 43 students, visited the forest-insect laboratory at Coeur d'Alene,
Idaho. The morning was spent in viewing the insect collections, insect
work, and the station experimental equipment, which had been arranged in ”
three exhibits, each in charge of and explained by a member of the labora-
tory staff. In the afternocn the high-school auditcriun was used for a
series of illustrated lectures depicting the work of the laboratory. In
adaition to the wniversity students, three of the highschool biclogy
classes, numbering about 90, attended the lectures. i

Spruce budworn hibernates in pitch pockets of ponderosa pine.--J, A,
“Beal, of the Fort Collins, Colo., laboratory, reports that a recent search
for hibernating larvae of Cacoacia funmiferana Clen, on infested ponderosa
pine revealed the fact that a large percentage of these larvae construct
their. hibernacula in the dried "pitch pockets" in, the bark of larger limbs
and. upper portions of the trunks of the trees. Although the larvae also
construct their hibernacula beneath the bark scales and in bark cracks of
ponderosa pine, the larger aumber found in the dried "pitch pockets" indi-
cated their preference for these places. These so-called "pitch pockets"
are numerous tiny cells or pockets scattered throughout ponderosa pine bark
and may or may not be filled with resin. Many of them, especially near the
bark surface, appear to dry out, thus leaving empty pockets in which

single larvae hibernate. Fae

Bark beetle control project under way in Denver mountain parks. Ac-
cording to Mr. Beal, the W. P. A. praject ‘for control of the Black Hills
beetle (Dendroctonus poneerosac Hopk.) in the Denver mountain parks area has
beer approved and field work was started about April 25. The W. PF, A. office
has assigned 200 nen to the project and a continucus force of 100 men will
be kept on the work. Over 3,000 infested trees will have been treated by

W. P. A. labor by June 30. The infested area has been subdivided so that
the United States Forest Service will treat about 2,000 trees, using 75

C. C. C. employees, and the National Park Service will also treat about
2,000 trees, with an equal number of C. C. C. men, All work on this project

-/-

has been coordinated by agreement of the above agencies through the efforts
of the State entomologist's office and the Fort Collins forest—-insect labor-
atory. ) ‘

New sawfly on pine in New Jerseys--C. L. Griswold, Morristown, N. J.,
first found a sawfly attacking white pine. in Morristown and Somerville, N. J.,
in 1936. In 1937 the insect was brought to the attention of the laboratory
by a member of the New Jersey Department of 4griculture, who found it causing
noticeable defoliation on red pine in Oakland Township. The species has re-
cently been determined as Acantholyda erythrocephala L. by Grace Sandhouse,
of the Division of Insect Identification. It is said to be widely distrib-
uted in Europe, also present in Chosen and Japan, and to attack ‘various
species of pine, as well as spruce, fir, and larch. The first, and appar-
ently the only previous record of the species in North America, is from
Chestnut Hill, Pa., where two males were taken in 1925, Besides the locali-
ties mentioned, Mr. Griswold has taken A. erythrocephala in Convent, Mahwar,
Bernardsville, Springfield, and Mountain View, N. J. In northern New Jersey
the species appears to have but one generation a year, The eggs are laid
late in April and early in May, depcsited in rows of from three to eight
along the flattened surfaces of the needles.. The larvae hatch early in May
and feed on the older needles, inclosing themselves in frass—covered webs
along the stems whose needles they are eating. Frequently the larvae are
so numerous that all old needles are eaten before the larvae reach full
growth. In such cases the new needles are attacked also. The larvae become
full grown during the first half of June. They then enter the soil to a
depth of 2 cr 3 inches and hibernate as larvae within an earthen cell. Pu-
pation occurs late in March and early in April and the adults issue in April,
the males appearing earlier than the females. Infestations found in New Jer-
sey up to the present have, with one exception, been linited to isolated
trees. The exception is the infestation found in Oakland Township, where
about 14 acres were defolinted. Observations indicate that the adults ex-
hibit a marked tendency to lay their eggs on trées upon which they fed as
larvae.

Hatching of sawfly eges.--J. V. Schaffner, Jr., of the New Haven,
Conn., laboratory, reports that sawfly eggs of Neodiprion sp. on red pine
collected at Groton, Mass., on April 14 began to hatch on April 19. Hatch~
ing of eggs of Necdiprion sertifer Geoffr. was nearly complete on April 25
at Far Hills and Lamington, in Somerset County, N. Jd.

_ Gypsy moth studies under way.--Henry A. Bess, New Haven, reports that
detailed field studies will be conducted during May and June at Petershan,
Mass., and Eastford, Conn., in connection with the ecological investigations
of the gypsy moth. Eggs of the. sypsy noth started hatching in Petarshan,
Mass., about 1 week earlier than in 1937.

Observations on Matsucoccus scale insect.—-Thaddeus J, Parr, New Haven,
reported that the first hatching of overwintered Matsucoccus eggs was noted
On pitch pine in the field on April 25 at Plainville, Conn. Egg nasses were
immediately placed in a refrigerator to be held for transfer to other species
of pine to cetermine susceptibility of other species to Matsuccocus attack.
An inspection of the Matsucoccus infestations at Mont Alto, Pa., was node on
April 27-29. On April 30 an inspection of the Paradise Furnace C. C. C. camp
plantation infestation in Huntingdon County, Pa., was made,

paler

GYPSY MOTH AND BROWN~TAIL MOTH CONTROL

Gypsy moth work adapted to variable conditions in April,~-During
April working conditions in the territory infested by the gypsy moth were
.extrenely variable, ranging from winter storms to summer heat, On April 6
the most severe storm of the winter covered the ground with fron 4 to 7
inches of wet snow in Pennsylvania. No scouting work could be done in the
New England States on April 7 and 8, because of snow and rain which froze
to.the trees on the high elevations and made traveling hazardous. The snow
and ice quickly melted and by the end of the following week even the dirt
roads were in reasonably good condition, except in the mountainous sections
north of Rutland, Vt. On April 29 a brief but severe hailstorm occurred in
the vicinity of Danby and Rutland, Vt., and the huge hailstones caused con~
siderable danage to tree grovith by knocking off twigs and developing ca
However, except for this local disturbance, warm clear weather was usu
over the entire territory. during the latter part of the month.

Gypsy moth eggs hatching earlier than usual.--Gypsy moth eggs de-
posited on a fruit tree in the village of Inkerman, Jenkins Township, Pa.,
hatched on April 18, Additional reports of emerging larvae were received
the following week from Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The early records are
made by egg clusters deposited in sheltered spots that are fully exposed to
the rays of the sun, and they hatch several days in advance of the clusters.
deposited in less favorable locations, The first emergence of larvae noted
in the Pennsylvanin area during the fiscal year 1937 occurred on May 4, in-
dicating that development is somewhat earlier this year.

Weather stations established in three States. --Weather stations were
set up about the middle of April in Westfield, Mass.;3 Rutland, Vt.3 and
Berlin and Milan, NN. Y. As has been the custom during recent years, the
Machines will be operated until about the first of June so that records of
temperature, wind velocity, and wind direction may be studied and corre—
lated with the probable dispersion of young sypsy noth larvae by the wind.

‘Experinents in ere marking by gypsy both scouts.~-Trees exanined by
EYPSy roth scouts are tiarked so that there will be no . repetition of work by

members of the crew and the work can be ei by forenen, supervisors,
trailers, and others. Each man is assigned a symbol which he marks on the
trees with a crayon or bark knife. Many property owners object to the use
of the bark knife, especially on fruit, shade, and smooth=barked trees,

and blue crayon has been used extensively in recént years. The blue crayon
makes a visible mark which remains on the trees for long periods; so long
that, under certain conditions, fresh marks cannot be readily distinguished
from marks made several years ago. In order to determine whether any other
color would prove satisfactory, selected crews in several sections where
scouting work is done were furnished with red, green, white, and yellow
crayons, and the field supervisors were instructed to report on the effec-
tiveness of the marks under various conditions, Red and green crayon marks
were not clearly visible, except on white and gray birches, and the white a
crayon did not have sufficient body for satisfactory work. The yellow crayon
“gave nearly as good results as the blue when used in woodlands, but certain
characteristics render it unsuitable for use in open country, especially on

|
|
fruit and street trees and on trees around residences. The marks left by |

=9.

the yellow crayon resemble those made by bark knives and would be as
objectionable to the property owners. The yellow crayon is now being
used’ in woodland scouting, especially in previously scouted areas where
the old blue marks are still prominent. It is not yet known whether the
yellow crayon will stand up reasonably well under adverse weather con-
ditions, but if the marks remain legible for from 6 to 8 months this
crayon should prove: satisfactory in future woodland scouting worl.

Spraying preparations in full swing.--Preparations for the beginning
of the gypsy moth spraying season are in full swing in both the New England

and Pennsylvania areas, Sprayers are receiving their final tune-up and
other equipment is being tested. Large quantities of spray hose, suction
hose, barbed wire, lead arsenate, fish oil, and other supplies are being
loved daily from storage to central points in the field, Barbed-wire
fences are being erected around the areas to be sprayed, and thinning work
is’ being pushed at some locations that are to be sprayed and where thinning
has not yet been completed. Actual spraying will be started as soon as

the foliage has developed sufficiently to hold the poison,

‘ Bes clusters found on dry lenves on the ground,--The crews assigned
to duty in Russell, Hampden County, Mass., east of the barrier zone, are
finding gypsy moth egg clusters on dry leaves on the ground. The area
where these men are working is heavily infested and progress is slow.

World's Fair increases inspection and certification work.—-Inspection
and certification of nursery stock and other trees and shrubs originating
in the area quarantined on account of the gypsy moth in Nassau County, Long
Island, N, Y., increased considerably in April. Much: of the nursery stock,
and all of the large trees obtained from private estates, moved from this
areca: are being used in landscaping the World's Fairgrounds near Flushing.
This landscaping work, which is now more than 50 percent completed, will re-
quire at least 10,000 trees and shrubs,

Heavy infestation materially rcduced by inténsive treatment work,--
Over 56,000 gypsy moth eg: clusters were destroyed during the fiscal year
1937 at an infestation covering approximately 200 acres in Plains Township,
Pa. Intensive treatment work, including spraying, was performed and only

—

“944 egg clusters were found when the area was scouted this year,

Long fence erected in isolated infestation in pasturcd country.--A

4U-strand barbed-wire fence approxinately 10,000 feet long is being erected
around the site of the isclated gypsy moth infestation in Damascus Township,
in the eastern portion of Wayne County, Pa. This length of fence is noces-
sary to insure the exclusion of aninals from the section to be sprayed, as
the colony is located in open country in a heavily pastured area.

Shipments of surface stone and forest products increase.--The opening
of several new road projects resulted in a steady increase in the movenent
of surface stone from the quarantined area in Pennsylvania in April. More
than 2,200 tons were inspected for the gypsy noth or noved under pernit dur-
ing the weelc ended April 9. Greater activity in the mines, caused by the
seasonal reduction in the, price of. coal, has materially increased the ship-
Hents of mine props from the quarantined area, This increase will probably

be of short duration, as the movement of mine timber definitely coincides
with the amount of coal shipped, and.only a linited amount of nine timber
is sold when the mines are inactive. All surface stone and forest products
moved from the quarantined area ‘must ‘be inspected or moved under pernit.

pubabaskdeon seo kalnia eripaedte venporarily discontinued, --Movenent
of rhododendron and kalmia plants from the Pocono Mountain region in Penn-

sylvania was temporarily suspended the first week in April, No plants could ©
be dug because of the snow and-cold temperatures and those already dug were
so heavily coated with ice that they could not be safely moved or inspected.
Operations were resuned the following week, after the snow and ice had
melted, and large quantities of the shrubs-were See out of the area

Cea tage on account of the gypsy noth.

Pibeewes of C. C, 0. gypsy noth work from camps in Vermont. --C. C. C, E
enrollees from the camp in Brunswick will soon complete work at a gypsy noth 4
colony centered in growth along stone walls on-a farm in Lancaster, N. H. 7
Gypsy moth work from the camp in Waterbury is also nearly finished and the |
crew will soon be transferred to blister rust work, Wo new ege clusters

were found in the territory covered by cither of the crews. The crew fron
the Plymouth camp continues to find scattered gypsy moth infestations,
nostly single-egg cluster, in several towns located east of the barrier
zone ,in the south-central part of Vermont. Gypsy noth crews from the camp
in Bellows Falls are working in heavily infested territory and have creo-
soted large nunbers of egg clusters in several towns in the southeastern
part of Vermont.

Change in C. C. C. enrollment methods.--In the future C. C. ©. en~
rolinents will be made each month instead of each quarter, so that camp
quotas can be maintained at their maximum, The new arrangenent will in-
crease materially the man-days available for work throughout the year,

Cc. C. C. work concentrated in nost heavily infested areas,--During
the last few weeks C. C. C. men working in areas where there is a heavy
Zypsy noth infestation have been concentrated in the centers of population
and have creosoted large nuribers of esg clusters. They have destroyed more
than 3,335,000 new egg clusters since July 1, 1937.

Celebration of the fifth anniversary of the C. C. C.--A meeting com—
memorating the founding of the C. C. C. was held at the Bellows Falls, Vt.,
camp curing the week beginning April 4. As this camp is concerned mainly E|
with gypsy moth work, considerable attention was given to this project at +
the indoor meeting. Later the -visitors, which included the Governor of the
State, were shown an excellent gypsy moth exhibit prepared by the superin-_
tendent end his gypsy moth foremen. Many of the visitors also attended
the field section of the meeting, where actual field worl such as scouting,
creosoting, thinning, and climbing with ropes was demonstrated.

PLANT DISEASE CONTROL 4
Barberry eradication in Colorado active throughout the winter.--—Since

the first of Januery local “Laborers employed with cmergency funds were used
in the survey and eradication of native barberry in the agricultural areas

a Na

of Montezuma, Archuleta, La Plata, and Costilla Counties. In these four
counties 133 square miles were surveyod between January 1 and April 30.

On 15 properties 309,640 barbérry bushes and scedlings were found. Of

this number, 302,/90 were grubded and burned; the remainder were found on
more rocky ground and were treated with chemicals. Recent inspections of
areas covered in the San Juan Basin during the early part of the emergency
program show very little regrowth. In the arenas that wore grubbed the bar-=
berry population has been reduced by from 90 to 100 percent. Arcas treated
with atlacide at the rate of 6 pounds to 5 gallons of water, used as top
spray and soil drench, haye less than 2 percent of the former number of.
barberries. The rocky areas that were treated with dry salt or salt brine
also show effective control. Resurveys of these areas ore being nade by
trained chemical crews anda careful check is being nade to treat all
sprouts and missed bushes. The following table gives a summary of accon-
plishnents by tionths since January 1.

.

: : ; :Bushes and: Man- :
Month .sCounties: Area :Properties: seedlings:days of: Relief
Bie .8s ssurveyed: cleared : destroyed: labor : labor
A _ ? Square : : -: : H
; Nunber : miles : Number : Nunber :; Number: Percent
January----! 2] : 9 ee ; 99,140 :; 910 3: 96,3
February---: 2 : U5 : 2 SLO bbusam .cOSmer, woo.
March------ ee : lo : 3 $s R6Ge3 (02 tlecresncy <96e2
isogea | eee ae eh : 39 : 6 ed cay /shn & aasealebes wnclcee
Total----}; eas iB) - aS) SOOT OO Seeise come --
Avernge--: = $o- $ == : -- ‘ra SainismenOGye

Large areas of Berberis fendleri stiib to be eradicated in Colorado.--
During the early springs months, preerndication surveys were made in all
g@rain-growing areas in Montezuma and Costilla Ceunties., Although only a
snall percentage of these counties was surveyed, 20 large areas of B. fond—
leri were found adjoining azricultural land, “SBxanination of stubble and
strawstacks indicates that stem rust was rather severe in these sections
last season, The farmers and millers report frequent. epidcenics of sten
rust and are very much interested in barberry cracication. When these pre-
eradication surveys were nade, fariiers indicated a willingness to cooperate
in the removal of bushes, A letter and a county map showins the location
of properties on which barberries have been found and eradicated were re-
cently sent to cach county extension agent and to county pest inspectors in
the State to inform then of the progress of the stem rust control in the
varicus counties and to show the lccations of barberry areas. The agent in
Lariner County recently reported finding escaped bdushos in the 5B. vulgaris
area west of Loveland. Upen checking this location, five escaped bar-
berries wore found on two properties.

Spread of blister rust infection.——During April infected white pines
were found in Ashland, Geauga, Lake, and Knex Counties, Ohio. A survey of
the pine-infection center near Lendcnvilie, Ashlanc County, by E. E. Honey,
of the Milwaukee regional office, and 0. J. Dowd, State leacer, showed that
1.6 percent of the 437 trees exaninod were infected on 1930-34 growth.
Heaviest infection occurred on 1932 growth and 70 percent of the toal cankers

-le~

were producing aecia, This area was first discovered in April 1938 by un-
skilled laborers. The initial eradication.of wild Ribes (chiefly R. cynos-
bati), made late in August and in September 1934, has apparently prevented
further infections on the native pine. One infected ornamental white pine
tree was found on an estate near Chagrin Falls, Geauga County. It is be-
lieved that all infected trees on this estate have been removed by annual
inspections nade since 1934, Infected Zuropean black currants were found
and destroyed on this estate in 1934, The first white pine infection to
be reported in Lake County was found by My. Dowd near Willoughby, Infected
European black currants were found and destroyed on this estate in 1934,
Two juvenile cankers on 1933 growth anc two on 1935 growth were founé on
four young native white pines in the northeast corner of Knox County by
Messrs. Honey and Dowd on April 24. Infected R. cynosbati were found there
in 1936 by the Ribes-eradication crews. European black currants were found
approxinately 1s niles away in the spring of 1936 and destroyed. The known -
range of infection on white pine in Ohio has thus been extended during
April to ee three new counties. Blister rust on white pine was re-
ported for the first time in Montmorency County, Mich., in April. Three
cankers were “noted on one tree--one of 1928 and two of 1930 origin. In-
fected white pine was found for the first time in Columbia County, Wis.,
on April 12 by B. R. A. skilled laborers, One infected tree was found ap-
proxinetely 1 mile southeast of Wisconsin Dells The- canker was on 1929
wood. The tree was so-nearly dead that the Bee preduced no aecia, Two
"fruiting" cankers were also reported on April 12 in Devils Lake State
Park by T. F. Kouba. This park is located in Sauk County, where blister
rust has been previously reported, Initial protection was afforded the
the. white pines in this park during the 1937 season. On April 121. W.
Hodgkins and A. G White, while naking a survey.of blister rust conditions
in the northern part of Rhode Island, found blister rust in a plantation
of white pines on the Pawtucket watershed. There are about 2 acres of.
trees approxinately 10 years old in this area and the disease seens to be
coming from wild Ribes in a swampy area on two sides of the plontation,
The infection is scattered through the stand and ranges from 1932 to 1934
origin, .There are some valuable white pine plantations on the watersheds
in the State.

White pine planting.--In connection with the North Carolina refores-
tation progran, « new forest seedling nursery is being laid out in Hender-
son County. Hundreds of thousands of white pines, as well as trees of
other species, will be grown at this nursery. H. 3. Teague, in charge of
blister rust control work in the State, writes that he has investigated
the site of this nursery and finds no wild Ribes in the vicinity and no
cultivated bushes within 1,500 feet. Control work in Indiana in the early
part of April was devoted almost entirely to cooperative control work with
the Soil Conservation Service. This Service has planted nearly 100,000
white pines on farns in the State in 1937 and 1938. ‘The white pines are
generally planted in a nixture with other conifers but they are taking a
more and nore prominent role in such plantings. .

Fhenological data.—--Reporting for the Northeastern States, Ray R.
Hirt, of New-York, says: "During a‘trip to the Pack Forest at Warrensburg, |
N. Y., on April 14, 1 noted blister rist aecia beginning to break through :
the bark in some abundance, On April 20, aecia on white pine in plantations’

of DE

in the vicinity of Syracuse, N. Y. were fully mature and were disseminating
aeciospores." In the North Central States aecial blisters were noted on
April 24 on four infection study plots in central and northern Wisconsin,
with aeciospores just beginning to be dispersed. The records show that
aecial blisters on these same plots were well formed on May 15, 1937/7, and
that perhaps 5 percent of the spores had been disseminated. It is appar-
ent, therefore, that aecial development in this locality is about 4 weeks
ahead of 1937. The first report of aecia in lower Michigan. was on April 18,
1938, on the Anthony and tamarack pine infection plots in Newaygo County.
On both areas fruiting practically ceased on April -23 and the Ribes leaves
were slightly expanded, The season in this area seems advanced about 2
weeks over last year. In Montmorency County, Mich., the first appearance
of aecia was on April 25.. In the Southern Appalachian States this has
been an exceptionally early spring. In Gilmer County, Ga., cultivated
gooseberries were observed leafing out on February 9, whereas in Murray
County foliage was noted on Ribes curvatum during the week ended January |
29. In North Carolina Ribes in leaf were notod in Haywood County on March
23 at an elevation of about 3,000 feet. In Maryland foliage was observed
on cultivated gooseberries in Carroll and Baltimore Counties on March ou
and on March 25 on wild gooseberries in the Catoctin Mountains, .In Vir-~
ginia leafing of R. cynosbati was reported on March 25.

Blister rust control in national parks in California and Oregon.~-As
a result of the advance of blister rust into northern California, the
National Park Service is this year undertaking a program of Ribes eradica~
tion in Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, and General Grant National Parks, Blis-
ter rust was found on Ribes just outside the southern boundary of Lassen
Park in 1937. This park contains three species of white pine composing
from 5 to 60 percent of the timber stand of nearly two-thirds of the park
area, Sugar pine occurs at the lower elevations, western white pine at
middle elevations, and whiteebark pine at timber line. At present only the
white pines on an area of 11,660 acres are considered of sufficient value
to warrant their protection against destruction by blister rust. The ~
National Park Service is assigning about 175 C. C. C. enrollees to perform
the initial Ribes-eradication work on the area selected for protection. The
personnel of the Bureau's regional office at Oakland will give advisory and
technical supervision to the work on all the parks where control work will
be carried out. In Yosemite Park, which is farther removed from known in~
fections of rust but which supports far more extensive and valuable stands
of white pine, a larger program is planned. Two complete C. C. C. camps
and part of a third, totaling about 375 men, will eradicate Ribes in sugar
Pine type, which comprises 125,000 acres. An extensive reconnaissance of
large areas of western white and white-bark pine in the high back country
will be made by a three-man party. In addition, plans are being laid for.
3 8. R. A. camps of 100 men each, which will also operate in sugar pine
typos if BE. R. A. funds are allotted to the Park Service for this purpose.
General Grant Park is a small park of 2,560 acres that was set asides to pre-
serve a fine stand of "big trees" (Sequoia gigantea), which are’ associated
with an equally fine stand of sugar pine. <A sufficient number of C. C. OC.
enrollees will be assigned to control work to complete the initial Ribes
eradication in this park. Sequoia National Park, situated near the extreme
southern end of the Sierra Nevada, has in parts a good growth of sugar pine
7 associated with its magnificent sequoias, but has more notably one of the

pay TOs

few areas where the extrenely rare foxtail pine (Pinus balfouriana) STOWS.
This unusual 5-needled pine is found cnly in California and there grows
only in comparatively small stands at two or three widely separated places,
Sequoia Park also has western white pine and a small amount of linber pine
(P, flexilis). In 1938 a rough prelininary survey of these zenerally in~
accessible areas will be made by Bureau blister rust men, cooperating with ~
the Park Service, to obtain sone idea of the control problems involved, In
Crater Lake National Park, in Oregon, 50 C. C. C. enrollees will complete
Ribes eradication on a 1,145-acre control unit established last year.

_ COTTON INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

A new foreign parasite of the pink bollworm,.--& shipment of Micro-
bracon nigrorufun Cush., a parasite of the pink bollworm, was received by
L, W. Noble, of the Presidio, Tex., laboratory, on May 2. The material was
collected and shipped from Japan by the representatives of the Division of
Foreign Parasite Introduction, was received at the Moorestown, N. J.,lab-
oratory, and was reshipped by T. R. Gardner. The original shipment, con-
taining 7,000 cocoons and 832 adults, was shipped fron Yokchana on April 14
and arrived at Moorestown on April 30. The mortality of the adults fron
Japan to Moorestcwn was only 11.5 percent. The cocoons were placed in cool
storage at Moorestown and the adults were fed, watered, and repacked for
shipment by air express to Hl Paso. The parasites were in good condition
upon arrival at Presidio on May 2, with 751 adults alive. The females will
oviposit on Ephestia larvae but it is not known whether the parasites will
successfully develop on this host. |

a

—

Cotton leaf worm in Puerto Rico.--L. C. Fife, Mayaguez, P. R., reports
that the cotton leaf worm was found continuously in Puerto Rico from August
1935 to January 1938, which shows that this pest may overwinter in this
area, Since the island has two cotton sections with seasons at opposite
periods of the year, the leaf worm is able to find suitebls food at any
time. Even under these apparently favorable conditions, its population
density per unit area varies greatly at different periods of the year and
at any given time in closely adjacent areas. Most farmers do not purchase
insecticides to protect their crop. An abuncance of caterpillars on the
young growing plants may cause a severe loss, especially in areas of light
roinfall. If favorable rains de not follow the incursion of the cater—
pillars, the plants heave no reserves for sending out new leaves and, as a
result, they either die or develop only a few fruiting forms, Whether or
not favorable rains are encountered, the main cfon is still delayed 2 or

3 weeks by the damage, thereby subjecting it to a heavier infestation by
cther insect pests. ;

= eer ere

_——

ry

Effect of planting date on cotton production and boll weevil danage

to bolls.--Observations were made by E. W. Dunnam and J. C. Clark at Stone-
ville, Miss., on the boll production and nature bolls containing boll

weevil cells on cotton planted on the lst and 15th of each ‘month from April
1 to July 15. This work showed that the 340~foot rows, planted on April ¥,
produced a total of 3,671 bolls. But as the season advanced the numbers de-
creased to 256 bolls on rows of equal length seeded on June 15. The July 1
and July 15 plantings did not yield a single boll. The nunber of open bolls
required to nake a pound of seed cotton for the April 1 planting was 87.4,
but for the April 15 planting only 77.2 bolls were required. From this date

=—J se = a

£15.

as the season advanced this number increased to 116.4 for the June 25
planting. For the first planting there were 524, lu perfect bolls for each
boll containing a weevilcell. For the subsequent plantings this number
dropped to 172.7, 65.1, 16.1, 5.4, and 2.2. The total production of seed
cotton per acre for ne Facial it meen was 1,614 pounds. As suggested
by the boll size, even though the number was eentiee less, the production
for the April 15 planting increased to 1,807 pounds. The weights for the
other plantings decreased to 1,459, 1,459, 1,220, and 63 pounds per acre.
The April 15 planting produced more seed cotton per acre than any other
planting and the numoer of weevil cells in the bolls was not great enough
to affect the commercial grade. Boll weevils did not infest this cotton
until nigration took place between July 28 and August 6. No attempt was
made to poison the boll weevil and the cotton was never infested by the
leaf worn.

Tests against cotton root aphids,--Tests conducted against the root
aphids Trifidaphis phaseoli (Pass.), Rhopalosiphun subterraneum Mason, and
Anuraphis maidi-racicis Forbes on cotton were reported by C. F, Rainwater,

of Florence, S. C. In the first series of experiments the materials were
Mixed in the soil of the seedbed from 2 to 5 weeks before planting at the
following rates per acre: Oil of tansy, 5 gallons, and 400 pounds of line;

600 pounds of flako naphthalene; 400 pounds of paradichlorobenzine; 100
pounds of derris; 200 pounds of sulphur; and 600 pounds of tobacco dust.

The seed in all of the plots, with the exception of the paradichlorobenzine
treatnent, came up to a good stand. On the plots treated with paradichloro-—
benzine the germination was very poor, the plants were stunted, and nost of
then died. Practically all of the ephids were also killed by this treat-
ment, an average of only one colony per 100 feet of row being found. On

the derris—treated plots 2.5 colonies and on the tobdacco-dust plots 3.5
colonies per 100 row feet were present in comparison with 7.5 and 10.5 colo-
nies in the checks, he other treatments did not reduee the number of aphid
colonies, In another series of tests conducted in a field where the cotton
had been killed by the aphids and it was necessary to replant, the na-

terials were lightly mixed with the soil and the seed was immediately nilarrtedl,
Two hundred pounds of tobacco dust, to which 0.25 percent rotenone fron .
derris powder had boen added, 2/2 pounds of sulphur and 255 pounds of flake
naphthalene per acre were used in the respective plots. The tobacco—derris
and sulphur-treated plots cane up to a good stand, whereas in the naphtha-
lene plots the seed geriinated but the plonts were killed before they came
through the ground. In the third series cof tests the naterials were mixed
with the cotton seed just before plenting, at the following rates per 100
pounds of seed: 1 pint of oil of tansy and 5 pounds of line; derris, 1.6
pounds; sulphur, 3.2 pounds, All of the seed came up to a good stand but

the seed treated with oil of tansy was delayed 24 hours in coning up,

whereas the seed treated with derris germinated quicker and were wp 24 hours
Carlier than the checks, No difference in gernination was noted between

the seed treated with sulphur and the checks, and in a few days no differ-
ences were noted in the growth of any of the treatments.

There was very
little reduction in the nunber of aphid colonies,

1 Ges

PINK BOLLWORM AND THURBERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

The 1938 crop.--The planting of the 1938 cotton crop is nearing com
pletion in all districts except the Texas Panhandle. In that area plant-
ing is always later and is largely dependent on moisture conditions. The
earliest plantings are made in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and
the crop in that section is making excellent progress. Indications are
that the first bale will be ginned by the middle of June or earlier, end
ginning will be in full swing by the first of July.

Stub cotton.--In Arizona it is customary to grow cotton from stubs
for several years at a time, as this method is more economical. This season
plans had been made to grow several thousand’ acres of stub cotton in the
regulated area, but cold weather killed a considerable amount of the cotton
and reduced the stand to such an extent that in most cases farmers decided
to plow up the stub cotton and plant in the regular woy. In the Big Bend
area of Texas more stub cotton came out this year than ever before. Much
of this was destroyed as land was prepared for the new crop but there is
still.a good deal left on acreage lying idle. Toward the close of- the
month some of the stub cotton was beginning to fruit, and a considerable
number of squares were inspected without finding any infestation. Addi-
tional inspecticns will be made during the coming month. Some of the
farners have stated that they will destroy the stub cotton if much of an
infestation develops on it.

inspection.--Laboratory inspection of green-boll samples has been
continued at San Antonio with negative resuits. Included in the inspections
were 151 samples of 100 bolls each from the area in northern Florida which
was under regulation several years ago, and 53 samples from counties in
southern Georgia near 2 previously regwlated area. In samples inspected at
field stations, 114 specimens of the pink bollworm were found, all of which
cane from counties within the regulated area and where infestation hed al-
ready been established last fall by gin-trash inspection. In additicn to
the above, a considerable quantity of Thurberia bolls, collected in various
mountain rangés of southern Arizona, were inspected. <A total of 38,471
Thurberia bolls were inspected and 9,492 specinens of the Thurberia weevil:
found, but no indications of the pink bollworm were seen,

Thurboria-plant eradication.--During the nonth of April 2,440 aercs
was worked in the Santa Catalina Mountains of southern Arizona and 8,162
Thurberia plants were destroved. Most of these plants were infested with
the Thurberia weevil. Little tine was lost from vork on the cotton line

by unfavorable weather, but high winds were experienced at tho camp site
and tents were continually being blown down, Nevertheless, activities went
forward satisfactorily and it is estimated that work can be carried on fron
the présent camp location until the end of June,

Wild-cotton cradication,--Conditions continued to be quite favorable
for wild—cctton work in southern Florida and excellent progress was made in
all areas. Work was completed at Cane Sable on April 30 and all of the equips)
ment has been dismantled ond placed in storage in Miami, During the season
the entire Cape Sable area was cleaned twice, and some 400 acres west of canp
were cleaned three tines. In addition, about 100 acres were cleaned for the

Slim

first time and a number of seedlings destroyed. In ordinary years this
area would be very difficult to reach but the nen were able to enter with-
out much difficulty this year, as it has been especially dry. Along the
upper west coast a third recleaning for the season is now under way. At

a number of locations where cotton previously existed none is being found
at this tine, and when plants were found the number @id not usually exceed
10 or 12. This section seens to be in excellent condition. In the Ever-
Glades section of Collier County and the Florida Bay section of lMonroe
County, several small colonies of virgin cotton have been located and ;
cleaned. While the plants were being destroyed a few bolls were inspected
and three specinens of the pink bollworn were found, Work on the mainland
keys has gone forward, with most of the area having been cleaned twice this
season. During the month 103 acres were cleaned for the first time, fron
which "41 nature and 405 seedling plants were removed. The recleaning
covered 7,791 acres, on which 89,472 seedling and 212 sprout plants were re-
moved. While the second and third recleanings are being made the crews

are devoting some time to a thorough scouting of areas near wild-cotton lo-
cations and other sections where it might occur.- During the month over
3,000 acres were covered without finding any plants.

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Adding oil emulsion to derris sprays or dusts increases toxicity to
plant bugs.-—Laboratory tests were performed during the last 10 months at
the Colwnbus, Ohio, laboratory by R. A. Fulton and N. F. Howard in an ef-
fort to determine whether the toxicity of derris root powder in water to
plant bugs could be increased by the use of oil emulsions. They showed

that the toxicity of derris, nicotine, nicotine sulphate, and anabasine
sulphate to the squash bug (Anasa tristis Deg.) was markedly increased by
the use of certain oils, especially peanut oil. The toxicity of derris

was greatly increased when acetone was added to the powder 24 hours before
use and was still further increased when peanut oil was used. Peanut oil.
appeared to be the most effective of the oils tested, which, in addition

to the latter, included tung oil, teaseed o11, corn oil, olive oil, and
petrolatum, More recently peanut oil mixtures and pine oil nixtures have
been tested against the herlequin bug (Murgontia histrionica (Hahn) with
sinilar results. Derris-tale dust mixtures in which peanut oil has been
impregnated have also been experinented with in the leboratory and it ap—-
pears that the addition of peanut oil cr pine oil to a derris—talc dust
mixture greatly increases its toxicity. In fact, a derris-talc dust

Mixture without an oil and containing 0.5 percent of rotenone is very nearly

innocuous against the harlequin bug. The status of s wetting agent in the
derris—-talc-oil dust mixture has not been determined definitely, but it is.
believed, on the basis of results obtained in preliminary experinents,

that a wetting 2¢gent is unnecessary in this mixture and nay be detrimental.

Sweetpotatc weevil adults live for long periods without food,--In a
serics of experiments in field cagcs similxting natural: conditions at Sun~
set and Houma, La., during the winter of 1957-38, K. L. Cockerhan, of the
Sunset, La., laborntory, found that of adults of Cylas fornicarius (F.) one

individual lived 118 days without food during the period extending fron

In cazes placed over green svectpotato vines certain of the C. fornicarius
S as S

wiv

adults lived 92 days. These cages were placed in position in the autunn of

1937 in the latter port of the sweetpotato horvest season and before the
fields were cleaned. In general, it was found that access to food pro-
longed the life of adults in the field. There was no significant differ-
ence between the longevity of sweetpotato weevil adults held in cages at
Sunset, La., and at Houma, La., nor was there any appreciable difference in
adult survival between the cages protected from direct precipitation and
those exposed to precipitation. The results obtained from the cages indi-
cated also that newly émerged adults that had not fed at all, or hac fed
very little before being placed in the cages, did not live as long as adults
that had fed for several days. It was indicated that, both with and without
food, the females apparently lived longer than males. While only a small
percentage of the totak adults used in these tests lived throughout the
winter period without food, it appears that this phenomenon may occur in any
season when conditions are favorable, thereby affecting adversely the clean-
up or eradication cf farms infested with the sweetpotato weevil.

Fumigation with methyl bromide serious ly injures narcissus bulbs. --
HF, 5. Blanton, of the Babylon, N. Y., laboratory, reports that fumigation
with methyl bromide as applied in the attempted control of the bulb nema=
tode (Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kuhn) Filipjev) caused severe injury to the
treated bulbs. Observations on. the flowering of- such bulbs that did not
deteriorate completely before planting time demonstrated that the flowers
produced by such bulbs were smaller than those produced by untreated bulbs
and that, in most instances, the flowers were bleached in color:and the
foliage was stunted.

New facts on hibernation of tobacco flea beetle,--As 4 result of
quantitative sampling of hibernation media for overwintering adults of —
Bpitrix parvula (F.) in several environments in the Oxford, N. C., locality,
W. A. Shands and his associates found that far greater numbers of the z,
parvula adults, per unit of area, were present in old, undisturbed tobac—
co fields than in fields of grassland or. on the edge of woods. Within the
tobacco fields the greatest numbers of flea beetles were found in the in-
mediate vicinity of the old stalks, and fairly large numbers were found ~
in the dead suckers still attached to such stalks. Formerly it had been
believed that the najority of E, parvula adults overwintered along the
edges of woodlands.

Sweetpotatoes left on soil surface prove source of weevil reinfesta-
tion,—-Mr. Cockerham, Sunset, La., reports that the adults of the sweet—
potato weevil emerged on March 10 end 24 from rotten sweetpotatoes that
had been exposed on the soil surface of infested fields from the time of
harvest during the autumn of 1937 to February 24, 1938, when they were
collected for adult emergence observations,

Lead arsenate effective against vegetable weevil larvae in tobacco
plent beds.--F. 5S. Chanberlin, of the eeeng fla., laboratory, réports
that lead.arsenate applied either in the dust forn or in a liquid spray
gave a satisfactory control of the larvae of Listroderes obliquus Klug,
infesting tobacco plant beds in the Quincy district.. Lead arsemte added
to the recommended spray for blue nold apparently ASTER a compatible mix-
ture and coused no detectable burning cf the foliage. On the other hand,
cube root powder applied cither as a dust or in a spray gave little control

~19~

of the vegetable weevil larvae in tobacco plant beds. Before the applicaw
tion of lead arsenate sprays or dusts considerable damage was caused by
vegetable weevil larvae in feeding on the tobacco in the plant beds and. some
of these larvae were carried on the plants to tobacco fields, during the
process of transplanting, where they continued to feed until controlled.

Lima bean pod borer causes marked injury to lima bean crop _in southern
California.—-Rodney Cecil, of the Ventura, Calif., laboratory, reports that

a survey of the 1937 crop of lima beans produced in Ventura, Orange, and
San Diego Counties of southern California, disclosed that the average loss
to the growers from beans damaged by Etiella zinckinella (Treit.) and the
cost of removing such damaged beans during the cleaning process, averaged
approximately 28 cents per sack for the 1,087,190 100-pound sacks of beans
involved in this survey. The total estimated loss from the sources mene
tioned amounted to approximately $300,000.

INSECTS AFFECTING MAN AND ANIMALS

Toxicity of phenothiazine to poultry lice,--Preliminary tests made
by H. E. Parish, of the Menard, Tex., laboratory, show that most of the

body lice of chickens are killed in 24 hours and are completely destroyed
in 4 days by dusting the birds with phenothiazine..

Cashew nutshell oil toxic to mosquito larvac,--H, H. Stage, Portland,
Oreg., reports that a high degree of toxicity was exhibited by cashew nut-
shell oil in several laboratory experiments on species of flood-water nose
quito larvae,

Pine oil activators increase toxicity of pyrethrun extract to mos=
quito larvac.--Prelininary tests made by W. V, King, Orlando, Fla., with
pine oil activators, in conbination with pyrethrum extract and a base oil,
gave the following results against the larvae of the southern house rog~
quito (Culex quinquefasciatus Say):

:P- tof } hh cuY j .
i grebhepny Spanhs by, Mortality in--
Mixture . per $ per s T he te Po GRaEDah
: gallon $: acre OPg ar ae oe toe ae
: Pounds sGalions :Percent:Percent:rercent
Plus base cil and 10- : . - : ;
percent activator------: Q2 : 6.6 : 89 : 94 ¢: 96
H : : pate :
Plus base oil only~-—----; as OS Cap 2g ee oa A AR le ae 3
Base oil and 1l0—percent : 3 $ : H
activator-------------- : Bie Gt abeOe wc (ORES aemats AINREE EHS f=

Experinents on natural food of primary screwworn fly.=--Caze tests

at the Valdosta, Ga., laboratory on the effect of natural food miterials con
the longevity of Cochliomyia americana Cushing and Patton have shown that
adults were able to survive for periods longer than 23 days and to produce
fertile eggs when fed only a2 diet of oranges, grapefruit, or tomatoes:

2og2

whereas, when supplied with only animal feces or liquid secretions from

wounds, they died in from 3 to 8 days, or as quickly as with no food at
all.

FOREIGN PLANT QUARANTINES

Sealed tins found to contain fresh fruits and vegetables at port of
New York.--On the S. S. Borinquen, on March 28, a passenger from Puerto
Rico came ashore with four tin cans sealed with solder and declared them
to contain preserves and dulce (Spanish for sweets). The passenger's
actions and the weight of the cans-caused the inspector to suspect some-
thing irregular. Opening the sealed cans revenled no preserves, Instead
the cans coritained restricted and prohibited fruits and vegetables con-
sisting of: 15 pounds of bananas, 8 pounds ginger roots, 2 pounds chayotes,
15 pounds sweetpotatoes, |} pounds malangas, 2 pounds plantain leaves, and
4 pounds fresh sugarcane. Approximately 20 percent of the swectpotatoes
were infected with Ceratostomella fimbriata and five of them were found in-
fested with Cylas formicarius larvae, The next day on another ship, the
Shsle San Juan, the same inspector found another sezled can under sinilar
circumstances and it contained preserves as declared but, upon probing the
preserves, four fresh jobos were uncovered. hese fruits were evidently
dropped into the cold preserves and the can sealed just before the passenger
sailed from Puerto Rico, It was obvicus that these passengers believed the
sealed cans would not be opened by the inspectors where opening would mean
a- total loss of the preserves to the passenger.

Merodon in gladiolus corm.--On March 2, 1938, a shipment of gladiolus
corms from Italy arrived at | the Inspection House, Washington, D. ©. Upon
inspection, one of the corms was found to be infested with a larva which
was identified as Merodon sp. This is our first interception of the greater
bulb fly attacking gladiolus corms. — ieee

Fruitflies found in a suitcase.--On September 23, 1937, one living
larva and - three living pupae of “the Mediterranean Baneals: (Ceratitis capi-
tata Wied.) were intercepted at New York on decayed peaches in an old suit—
case in baggage from Italy. The suitcase in which these insects were found
was abandoned by the passenger and destroyed by the Custoris, after every
other article which it contained had been carefully inspected,

Entomological interceptions of interest.--Six living lervee of the
dark fruitfly ‘Anastrepha sorpentina Wied.) were intercepted at El Paso,
Tex., On Jonuary 11 in a tangerine fruit in passenger's b Pers 2e from Mexico.
Three larvae and one pupa, all living, of the fruitfly Anastrepha s uspensa
Loew. were intercepted at New York cn January 10 in two gu suava fruits in
bagezaze from Fuerto Rico. One living ond four dead adults of the weevil
Apion pononse FP. were taken at Fortland, Oreg., on March 11 in vetch see
contaminating packing material for eargo fror: Belgium, The scale insect
Morgenella longispina (Morg.) was found at Seattle, Wash., on December 29,
1937, on the rind of pomelo in baggage from Chine. A living adult of the
chrysomelid Cacoscelis quinguclineata Latr. was taken at Laredo, Tex., on...
February 2 on & banana in cargo fror Mexico. A living specimen of the mirid ~
Jornandes intermedius Dist. arrived at the airport at Brownsville, Tex., on
December 26, 1937, on a gardenia in cargo from Mexico. Living specimens of
3 5 ‘ 4

<2] =

the coccid Odonaspis saccharicaulis (Zchnt. ) were found at Washington,

D. C., on Decenber 7, WORT on Saccharun sp., in the meil from New Guinea.
The identification was made by H. Morrison from description only. A liv-
ing specimen of the lygacid Gastrodes japonicus (Stal) was intercepted at
Honolulu, Hawaii, on July 23, 1937, on a pine cone in baggage fron Japa.
Twenty-three living larvae of the turnip gall weevil (Ceutorhynchus pleuro.
stigna Marsh. ) oes taken at Port Arthur, Tex., on Januzry 2 in a single
turnip in ship's stores from France. A living larva of the Asiatic rice
borer (Chilo sinplox Butler) was intercepted at San Francisco on April 1
in a wisterin el in cargo from Japan, It was found in the gallery of
coleopterous larva.

l

Pathological interceptions of interest.--Botrytis allii Munn was in-
tercepted fron in Greece for the first tino on January 26, 1937, in an onion
bulb in cargo at New York. 3B. squanosa Walker was intercepted for th
first time at New York on Fobruary 25, 1937, in a cargo shipment of pane
fron Chile. Cercospora imsae Zinn, was intercepted on banana leaf fraz-
nents froi: Guatemala at Boston on May 2 and from Java at Philadelphia on
May 3. Colletotrichun sp. (no species reported on host) was found on .
Stapelia fron Uganda, . Africa, on Decenber 21, 1937, and another ee on
Stapelia from Aden, Arabia, on December 30, 1937, both at San Francisco.
Leptosphacria rusci (Wallr.) Sacc. was intercepted at pra ear sian. on
leaves of Ruscus in in wreaths in cargo from Italy on April 5, Monceraet te
compta All. var. ramulicola Berl. & Bres, was intorcepted for the firs
tine on January oy, o n nanetti rose stocks from Holland, Phone nh Bynes Tosey
(Mont.) Sacc., first false ava was found at New York on Ruscus leaves
from Italy, on Decenbor 18, 1937. Phomopsis juclandina (Fek1, ) Trav. and
Verticilliodochiun tubercularioidés Spes,) Dub., first interceptions, were
found at New York on walmut scions in a shipment fron Poland, January 23,
1937. Phomopsis seposita (Sacc.) Trav., first interception, was found at
San Francisco on Wistaria venusta alba in mail from Japan on January 7. An
imaature ascomycete, probably Diapertue seposita Sacc., was associated with
P, seposita, Puccinia cannae (Wint. ) P, “Henn. w was intercepted from Mexico
for the first tino on April pril ©8 at Brovwmsville on canna leaves on two plants
in baggage, Rhabdospora sp, (no species reported on Paeonia) was found at
San Francisco on Faeonia moutan plants in two shipments from Japan on De~
cember 23, 1937, and March 11, 1938.

DOMESTIC PLANT QUARANTINGS

White-fringed beetles ener RE. e--The first adult beetles to be found
this season were discov vered on er 5 in the known infested area at New Or-
leans, in soil that had been stirred, Energence in that locality was well
under way by May 10,

White-fringed beetles found in nore localities,--Larv.l inspection
has recently brought to light an i: an infestation of Naupactus leucoloma Boh,
at Taylorsville, Smith County, Miss., bringing the number of infested coun-
ties in that State to four, A nore widespread infestation was found at
Gulfport, biiss,, than was kmown to cxist and the Biase has quarsntined 280
square niles in this area, At New Orleans larval inspection has shovm that
the infestation formerly known to exist on 60 acres extends over 20,000
acres, and Louisiana has quarantined the parishes of Orleans and St, Bernard
and part of Jefferson Parish, Systenatic inspection for adult beetles will

ope

be carried on cooperatively, it is anticipated, in every county in Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alebana, Florida, Georgia, and in parts of Texas, Arkansas,
Tennessee, and South Carolina.

White~fringed beetle control activities.--Trap crops are being planted
in arsas where there are no preferred native host plents. Results of ex-
periments as to the most effective and economical method of clearing wood—
land areas indicate that a steel wagon mounted with a 5-fire jet vlane
thrower recently constructed in the Florala, Ala., shop will werk out sat-—
isfactorily. Experiments in clearing woodland by labor, conducted jointly
with the State of Florida, show a cost of from 90 cents to $11.20 per acre,
depending on the nature of the ground cover, In the Florala area 1,100
acres of land have been disced, 164 fence lines cleared, 27 miles of right-
of-way surveyed, ond 24 cleared, and 12 linear niles of new terraces built
for protection against erosion. Another shipload of animal bones from
Uruguay was inspected with negative results. Quarantine enforcement on a,
Ch-hour basis has been necessitated by increased movement of garden truck,
bedding plants, farm implements, ccttonseed, and other articles. Merchants,
filling-station operators, and the public are cooperating. Freight waybills
are checked and nurserynen have provided us with lists of shipments fron
their premises for tho last 5 years.

ae = ert en me + a ee ae

has been set up through various channels through which it is hoped to en-
list the help of a wide range of organizations and individuals throughout
the four infested States in collecting and sending in suspicious—looking
specimens. A taxonomic unit is being established at Gulfport, Miss., in
cooper..tion with the Division of Insect Identification. Posters describing
the insect and a four-page illustrated circular will be distributed. Hight-
een hundred exhibits of crops showing larval damage have been prepared.
Motion and still pictures of larval feeding signs have been added to the
mMateriol, Meetings with U+H Club members, students, and others are well
attended.

Mormon cricket hatch.--Cold and rainy weather throughout the infested
States has retarded hatching and development of the crickets. Certain

areas in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington showed a 100-percent hatch the
middle of April and dusting operations were begun in five counties of these
States. The following week the crickets had developed to the second, third,
and fourth instars in the above States. In Washington they were migrating
into the send trenches which had ocen constructed in Franklin County to pro-=
tect adjoining wheatfields. The few which were able to cross the barrier
were poisoned with dust. A 95—percent hatch was reported in Nevada the
third week in April and dusting was begun the follcwing week. Crickets in
that State showed a tendency to uigrate in earlier instars than in former
years. In Wyoming the hatch ranged from 10 to 60 percent the middle of
April and slightly lower in Montana. By the last of the month they were
migrating in many spots in these two States, nevessitating the cleaning of
ditches and making ready for oiling and dusting. The Colorado hatch began
the last week of April. Egg fertility in the various regions ranged fron
50 to 90 percent and: as low as 10 percent in one area in Wyoming.

-23-

Mormon cricket control operations.--Torking plans are completed for
cooperative Federol-State dusting operations in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming,
Montana, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Countics and communities
ore contributing to the campaign and farmers are responding favorably to
prompt delivery of materials. The present fiold force consists of 34 ap-
pointed ermployees, 11 under letters of authorization, and 167 laborers
Dusting operations ‘in Utah are showing kills of from 90 to nearly 100 per-
cent; in one Idaho locality, 99 percent; in Nevada, from 75 to 95 percent
on the 287 acres worked to-date, hand dusting effecting a 90-percent kill.
In Oreson crickets began to die in from 6 to 8 hours after the dust was
applied, Rains in one Idaho area were believed to have caused 30-percent
nortality to hatching crickets. Field leaders in that State report that
a species of scarabaeid beetle and also the black widow spider have been
observed eating small crickets. The presence of predaccous wasps was also
noted. Purchases had been made up to April 15 as follows: 61 tons of sodiun
arsenite; 45 miles of netal barrier; SO hand dust-guns; 157 tons of diato-—
Maceous earth; 12 power dusters; and 900 barrels oi1, Motion pictures of
the crickets and of the control operations were recently taken in a Utah
Areas

Grasshopper control activities.--Tie organization of grasshopper con-
trol work has been effected with a force of 15 workers at the field head
quarters office at Minneapolis and 81 field supervisors-in the 24 States in
which the work is conducted. Participating counties applying for Federal
aid to fight grasshoppers are organized on both a county and a township
basis. Old mixing stations have been conditioned and new ones constructed.
Mechanical bait spreaders are being constructed to supplement the 5,000 on
hand. Hatching began the latter part of March in the southernmost States
of the area, and by the first week in May the hatching had reached 100 per-
cent in some spots, was general in Kansas and Colorado, and was beginning
in the Northern States. :

JUSS SEES poisoning begun.—-The application of poison bait to areas
infested with hoppers, which has been linited thus far this season to a few
spots in Arizona, California, Oklahoma, and Texas, was being extended gen-
erally the first of May and will progress northward as the hatching in-
creases, It is estimated that 178,000 tons of bait will be needed in the
2h States. Over 39,000 tons were left on hand in these States from pre~
vious years, over 20,000 tons have been shipped to the varicus regions, nak=
king available for immediate use 41,000 tons in the Great Plains, 17,000
in the Mississippi Valley, and 1,400 on the Pacific Slope, or approxinately
33 percent of the estimated needs. Additional purchases are being made and
will continue to go forward in such amounts that there will be no shortage
of materials when needed. Field supervisors are holding demonstrations
and timing the work in the hope of poiscning youns hoppers cencentrated on
the hatching grounds. Farnsrs and sheep herders are supplying information
as to infested localities, Four high schools in Wyoming are buildings ne~
eel spreaders, An organization in New Mexico gave dances, called

"grasshopper hops," to raise funds for this purpose and also auctictned
pies at $5 to $15 each.

Arnyworn infestations.--To control severe outbreaks of arnyworus,
which have appeared in Arkansas and Mississippi, funds have been nade
available from the grasshopper control project, and grasshopper bait is

Seyi,

being utilized. The infestations are localized and the later reports
from the ficld indicate that the attack on economic crops is gfradually
abating. The Mississippi infestations nre principally on oatfields.

Peach mosaic inspection and eradica tion under Way. --Peach mosaic in—

spection was started in California in March anc in Texas, New Mexico, Utah,

Colorado in Aprid?) The affected States have assigned an increased nun
ber of inspectors to the project. There are 55 Federal and 32 State in-
spectors at work, in addition to '' fron the Bxperinent Stations and Exten-
sion Service, 33 reliof men, and 6 California county inspectors. The States
of Tennessee, North Curolina, and South Carolina are each assigning an in-
spector in New Mexico for training in nosaic inspection. The Anril work
covered eed) 000 trees on over 3,000 propertios. ‘The environs of 42 nur-
series and budwood sites in eastern Texas were inspected, and 3 were found
exposed AS the diseas e. A few spots of pench mosaic infections are being
found in parts cf the Palisade area of eng: after partial inspection,
Experiments are being conducted i 1 this” on jointly by the Departient,
the State, and the Experinent Sea in ices heclthy peach srafts in
plums as « method of inspection to determine whether the plums so srafted
are syuptonless carriers of the disease, The educational work in New Mexico
has been strengthened by a news letter on aes nch nosaic published in Spanish
ie the State leader, R. F. Crawford. Countv agents in infected countics,
agricultural high-schocl classes, civic oz reani gations, and. others are also
cooperating.

Tree removal work under peach disease projects.--Relief labor has
been increased in Coloradc, New Mexico, and Utah and eradication of diseased,
abandoned, and escaped peach trees for control of the phony peach and ‘each
mosaic diseases is continued in Alabana, Arkansas, California, Georgia,
Tennessee, and Texas, with a force of 318 relief employees, A greater part
of the removal work has been centered around nurseries growing peach stock
and in removing abandoned orchards. .

Sweetpotato weevil activitics.--Sweetpotato fields as a whole are re=
ported in sood condition. The inspection which has been carried on jointly
With the State on all properties found infested last season is being ex=
tended to all adjacent properties to check the growth of any volunteer host
plants. Wevils were recently found in jngelina County, Tex, <A prelininary
cooperative survey in two coastal counties in South Carolina shows that
inspection is needed in these comics | 20 which seaside morning—glories
were found, Thomas County, Ga., owing to‘its high rank in sweetpotate pro—
duction in the South, is being thosoukine inspected, Fifteen laborers are
cleaning the fields and two State inspectors will contimne in this ccunty,
if is expected, throughout the season. Trapping in Alabana shows that the
adult weevil population is on the decline, The standardized quarantine
adopted by Georgia is beins adequately enforcec. As new properties are
found infested, seedbeds within a half-nile radius of infestations are being
renoved, in some instances necessitating the destruction of seédbeds planted
prior to the adoption of the quarsntine, No opposition boas been encountered
to this work. apis

Citrus canker eradicntion,--Reinspection ‘in March of oll properties in
two Texas com eee found to be infected since 1955 brought to light canker

|

25a

on 1 small seedling in Harris County and on 16 seedlings on 2 properties

in Jefferson County. All grass, weeds, and briars were thereupon burned
with a pear burner, not only on the spots where the canker was found but

on all-18 properties formerly found to be infected, and this process will
be repeated every 2 or 3 months, Mr. Heard states, in the hope of prevente-
ing the recurrence of canker. In the present calendar year thus far in-
spection has been made of over half a million trees on 654 propertics in

4 Texas counties. About two-thirds of the trees have been destroyed, The
present force of 4 Federal, 4 State, and 2 experienced relief inspectors
are working Texas. The relief labor force has been increased from 20 to

39.

Dogwood air shipment inspected.--Through a St. Louis newspaper iten,
a transit inspector learned that a dogwood tree was being shipped by air-
plane to that city from the World's Fair headquarters near New York City.
Exanination at destination indicated that the tree had not been inspected,
and the tree and soil were accordingly treated before release and the in-
cidént was reported to the Japanese beetle project leader so that any
further shipments might be inspected at origin.

Transit-inspection activities.—--The inspection forces have been in-
creased for the spring nursery-stock shipping season at Pittsburgh and New
York, and an inspector has been assigned at Buffalo for the remainder of
the season. M. HE. Connolly, transit inspector at St. Louis, is. cooperat~
ing with the Division of Foreign Plant Quarantines in the enforcement of
quarantines at that point,

.

Revisions of quarsntine regulations.—-The regulations of Quarantine
4g were revised, effective April 11, to extend the regulated areas in six
States. The regulations of the District of Columbia were simplified and
redrafted, effective April 30. Circular B.3.P.Q. 472, relating to sterili-
zation of fruit for the Mexican fruitfly, was revised on April 8 to reduce
the holding period from 8 to 6 hours in fumigation, Circular B.3.P.Q. 395
was revised on March 18 to exempt from Japanese beetle certification peat
when treated with crude petroleum or other insecticide,

CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

Colorado potato boetle in spring dormancy.—-A stock of Colorado po-
tato beetles was collected in April by Ni. C. Swingle and A. M. Phillips,
of the Sanford, Fla., laboratory, for use in insecticide—testing work.

The species was found feeding on egeplant in Seminole County, Fla. Over
half the adults collected anc those reared from larvae which were field-
collected soon entered the soil for a period of dormancy. On the bssis of
a gingle generation réared in the liboratory with Gaytine temperatures of
65 -90 F., the length of the egg stage wns found to be sbout 4 days, the
larval stage 16 days, the pupal stage 10 days, and the adult over § weeks.
Aster enerzging from the pupal stage, the adults feed for about 2 weelts be
fore laying eges, which would make a complete generation every 6 weeks, Al-
though temperature may be a partial cause of dormancy cf the species in-
this locality, it appears possible that the physiolovical condition of the

insect may be just as important in bringing on the period of estivetion.

-
aO6.

Absorption of glucose by southern armyworm,--In studies on metabolism

in Prodenia eridania Cram,, being carried on in the Beltsville, Ma,, leb-
oratory, the variation in reducing suzar content of the blocd (hemolymph)
of the insect following glucose ingestion has been studied by F. H. Babers,
Sandwiches made from turnip leaves, with. a filling of glucosc-cornstarch
paste, were fed to sixth-instar larvae and the blood suzars were determined
quantitatively at varying time intervals, The normal reducing value of the
blood of the southern armyworn has previously been found to be 75 ng per
100 ml of blood, Fifteen ninutes after feeding on a glucose sendwich began,
thig velue rose to 165 me per 100 ml and continued to rise steadily to a
naximun of 561 mg per 100 nl in 13 hours, The reducing sugar value then
fell off sharply and was normal again 6 hours later. The utilization of
this glucose by the insect is now being studted.

INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS

Synthetic insecticide patented.--It has been known for some time that
4, G-dinitro-o-cresol has high insecticidal value; however, it is injurious
to growing plants and for that reason its use is limited to dcrmant sprays.
L. E. Smith has found that, if an ether cf this phenol is prepared, the re-
sulting compound is effective in killing many species of insects; also,
it can be sprayed or dusted on delicate foliage without injuring it. é
Suitable ethers are the methyl, ethyl, and phenyl ethers. On mosquito. lar-
vae in aqueous solutions 4,6—dinitro-o-tolyl methyl ether was very toxic.
In laboratory tests on codling moth larvae 4,6—dinitro-otolyl ether in
water suspension at a concentratiom of 2 pounds to 50 gallons of water gave
73.e percent of clean fruit, Under the same conditions lead arsenate gave :
only 53.5 percent of clean fruit. Public service patent 2,115,046 was
granted to Mr. Smith on April 26, 1938, covering this development.

A new duster patented.--L. D, Goodhue, of this Division, has been
granted U. §, Patent 2,114,092 for a continuous blower-type duster for in-
secticidal materials, During the operation the blower is run at a speed
ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 revolutions per ninute. This duster is so
designed that the large particles in a dust are returned to the blower by
way of a circulating tube. In this way the large particles are disinte-
grated into smaller particles,

Fi
i
4
i.
,

a ee rt ne a a ee eR a aes enna mt et

tions, and J. E. Fahey and H, W. Rusk, of this Division, have recently pub-
lished B-428 (mimeographed), which describes the best method of preparing
tankenix nicotine-bentonite for control of the codling moth. The fornula
is as follows: Sodium lauryl sulphate, 1/2 ownces; nicotine sulphate (40-
percent nicotine), 1 pint; Wyoming bentonite, 5 pounds; soybean oil, 1
quart;. and water to make 100 gallons,

Haller, of this Division, and W. N. Sullivan, of the Division of Control
Investigations, have reported (Jour. Econ. Ent., vol. 31, no.2, pp. 2/6~277.
Apr. 1938) that when @ pyrethrum concentrate rich in pyrethrin I is hydroe
genated, the knock-down effect and olso the mortality after 24 hours are
greatly lessened, When a pyrethrun concentrate rich in pyrethrin II is

similarly hydrogenated, the knock-down effect is diminished, but there
is little change in the mortality after 24 hours. This mortality figure
is low compared with that of pyrethrin I.

The complexity of calcium arsenate as revealed by cheriical analysis
of fractions of different particle size.--Mr. Goodhue and C. C. Cassil, of
this Division, have reported that when commercial calcium arsenate is

separated into fractions of different particle size by an air classifier
the different fractions have different chemical composition. The fine
particles contain more arsenically combined calcium oxide than do the |
coarse ones and, as a result, much less water-soluble arsenic. Their re-
sults are described in the Journal of Economic Entomology (vol. 31, no. 2,
pp. 278280, April 1938). :

Some organic compounds found highly toxic to codling moth larvoe.-=
L. HE. Smith, of this Division, and & H. Siegler and F, Munger, of the Di-

vision of Fruit Insect Investigations, have published a list of 20 syn-
thetic organic compounds, ell of which gave 50 percent or more fruit free
fron worms when tested by the apple-plug method (Jour. Econ. Ent., vol. 31,
no. 2, pp. 322-323, April 1938). These workers were unable to find any
simple relationship between chemical constitution and toxicity to insects
of the organic compounds studied,

Toxicity of oxidized phenothiazine.--W, A. Gersdorff and H. V. Cla-
born, of this Division, have reported (Jour. Acr. Research, vol. 56, no. uy
pp. 277-282, Feb. 15, 1938) that phenothiazone (an oxidation product of
phenothiazine) is about ten times as toxic to goldfish as is phenothiazine,

ther oxidation products of phenothiazine, namely, phenothiazine sulphoxide
and thionol, wore not appreciably toxic to goldfish. Unpublished results
by Mr. Siegler, of the Division of Fruit Insect Investigations, against
codlinzg moth larvae and by D. EB. Fink, of the Division of Control Investi-
Gations, against mosquito larvae indicate that none of the oxidation
products of phenothiazine are as toxic as phenothiazine,

A list of proprietary detergents, wetting agents, and emulsifying
agents,--H. L. Cupples, of this Division, has compiled a list of the nore
generally used wotting agents (Z~426 (mimeo.), 24 pp., April 1938). In-
formation is given as to the manufacturer and the chenical and physical
properties of each product. In addition, the surface tension, interfacial
tension, and spreading coefficient of a l-percent aqueous solution of each
of these products are recorded.

Synthetic organic compounds toxic to nosquito larvac.--Mr, Fink, of
the Division of Control Investigations, and L. H. Smith, D. L. Vivian,
and H. V. Claborn, of this Division, have reported tests with 400 synthetic
compounds against culicine mosquito larvae (B-425 (mineo.), 34 pp., March
1938). Two hundred and twenty of these compounds proved effective enough
to kill about 50 percent of the test insects in 16 hours at a concentration
of 100 parts per million, and 23 were adjudged to be at least as toxic as
rotenone, Phenothiazine was the most toxic of all compounds studied.

-~2b—
BEE CULTURE

Spraying open pear blossons nay affect nectar secretion.--Geo. H.
Vansell, of the Pacific States bee culture laboratory, raises the question

whether the practice of spraying peors with bordeaux mixtures or with lire
sulphur to help in the control of fireblight does not interfere with

nectar sccretion by the blossoms. In connection with pollination studies
on pears in Oregon he says of these sprays: “Evidence seemed clear that

the caustic action from the spray practically stopped nectar secretion in
the blossoms, After such spraying the blossoms appear dry, even during
periods favorable to secretion in unsprayed blossoms, What effect, if any,.
this spraying nay have on bees seeking pollen is not clear." He adds:
"Pear petals, in the blossons about to burst at the time of the above spray
‘application, were burned so that they cling together over the stanens until
after dehiscence, When such blossoms were forcibly opened by hand, nectar
was found in then,"

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSSCTS

Additions to the National Collection, --Hight species of weevils,
four species of lepidopterous larvae, and nine species of coleopterous lar-
vae, hitherto not represented in the National Collection, have heen re-
ceived fron P. ©. Ting, of the California State Department of Agriculture.
This material was received partly in exchange and partly as a gift.

Progress reported on special project _in Hynenoptera.--3, D. Burks,
assistant antonologist of the Illinois State Natural History Survey, who
was given a temporary appointment as associate entomologist in the Division
of Insect Identification for the purpose of working up a revision of the
large and difficuit genus Tetrastichus, of the superfanily Chalcidoidea,
spent the pericd January 22 to April 21 in the Museum engaged in the prepara-
tion of such a revision. During that period Dr. Burks worked out the
gZoneric and specific synonymy, prepared a tentative key to the North Anori-
can species of the genus, and assembled naterial of a number of new forms.
Work on the project will be continued by Dr. Burks in his spare time at the
laboratory of the Illinois State Natural History Survey and pee the
much-needed revision is expected to be published.

(01 Of

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A ga

UNITED STATES

- DEPAL RIMENT OF AGRICUL I med

BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

VOLUME V

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER
FOR MAY 1938

gas cae ey SS ory ome See we we ath Oe SE ee wet ee ee ee ee ae ee Pe ee we ee wee we ee ce ee me re ee we ee ee ee Oe ee os oe we ee ee ee ee ws ee oe ee sy

APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1939

The Act making appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for
the fiscal year 1939, approved June 16, 1938, provides a total for the
Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine of $5,701,867. The amounts
provided for the following items are less than those appropriated for
the fiscal year 195%, as indicated;

Wapinese Beatie Combrolvscecccecares sess 950,000
Gypsy Moth ané@ Brown-tail Moth Control... $25,000
Dutch Elm Diseane Bradication...e...... $82,371
Pnsceh Mdentiticdtion..s.cceaccenaacaneanshOnO00
Insecticide and Fungicide Investigations $25,000

The appropriation for Truck Crop and Garden Insect Investigations
was increased by $80,000 to provide for the construction and equipment
Of a laboratory in North Carolina for the study of insect pests and
plant diseases of tobacco. The appropriation for Insects Affecting Man
and Animals was increased by $8,500 to provide for investigations on
gnats at Clear Lake, Calif,

The Second Deficiency Act for the fiscal year 1938, approved
June 25, 1938, included an appropriation of $700,000 for the Bureau of |
Entonology and Plant Quarcntine under the authorization for the control
of incipient and emergency outbreaks of insect pests and plant diseases.
It also included an appropriation of $10,000 to provide for the expenses
of a Mediterranean Fruitfly Doard to be appointed by the Secretary under
general outhorization providing for the creation of a board of five mem
bers to carry on investigations and surveys on possible losses that may
have been occasicned by the work of eradicating the Mediterrenean fruit-
fly from Florida and report their findings to the Secretary of Agri-
culture.

FRUIT INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

eR I CS ca

Greg., taken ina notes net operated in a ig orchard aCe an Sl oqaticn
of 3 feet above the ground, from July to November 1957, show that the
percentages of females steadily declined as the. season advanced. Dwight
P, Barnes, of the Fresno, Calif., laboratory, found that the percentages
of females in the catches examined by him were as follows: July, 54;
August, 43: September, 39; October, 27; Novembor, 21. The percentages
of females containing eggs, from examinations made beginning in Septen-
ber, were: September, 35; October, 27; November, 18. Although the per-
centages of females and of gravid females which were in the air at the
elevation of the net may have differed from the proportion of females
and gravid females in the population as a whole, the declining percent-
ages probably reflect a general condition and point to a progressive
weakening of the power of the species to reproduce.

Development of Japanese beetle larvae in ‘Philadelphia area,--The
Japanese beetle laboratory at est ; Moorestown, 1 Ne J Je, reports that, at the
close of May,: development of the overwintering population of ane Javaes
nese beetle in the Philadelphia arca appeared to be approximately nornal
for this time of year, Soil surveys conducted at a number of golf courses
in the Philadelphia area indicated that approximately 6 percent of. the
soil population could, be recognized as prepupae at the close of the
month, Weather conditions during the first 4 months of the year were very
favorable for the survival and development of cverwintering larvae. Soil
tenperatures during. the normally cold months QF January and Fooruary, al-
though below. the threshold of development (50° 7,), were from 2° to 6°
above normal. Soil temperatures above normal also characterized March
and April, so that by the end of April vegetation and presumably larval
development were from 10 days to 2 weeks ahead of normal. Within the
soil levels occupied by the greater part of the oo werwintering larvae (1
to 6 inches), temperatures generally reached 50° about March 20, whereas
in 1937 this did not occur until epproxinately Anril 1. The nonth of
May has been characterized by abnornally cloudy, cool weather, with soil
temperatures ranging fron Bo to 5° below normal, so that the rapid early
season development hag been to a large extent offset. The first field~
collected pupa wes recovered on May 25 in sortie laboratory plots, but at
the regular survey stations no pupae were recovered in surveys made on
May 31.

Colonization of Japanese beetle parasite.—-At the ie apanese beetle
laboratory at Moorestown, notwithstanding the exceedingly unfavorable
weather conditions during the normal collecting pericd, a sufficient nun
ber of femeles of Piphia vernalis Rohw. were collected during May in the
field te make up 316 colonies, O Of these, 300 colonies were released in
Meryland, 15 in ae and 1 in Re HNe alsa.

Effect of hydrocyanic acid on Japanese beetle larvae.--At the
Japanese beetle laboratory, Moorestown, W. H. Fleming and HE. D. Burgess
have cormleted 127 tests, using 300 larvae in cach test, with hydrocyanic

™

a
acid at temperatures ranging fron 5° to 100° F., with exposures of 0.5 to
3 hours and dosages of 2, 4, 6, and 8 ounces of hydrocyanic acid per 1,000
cubic feet. Previous work indicated that the third-instar larva of the
Japanese beetle, removed from soil, was a satisfoctory test insect to use
in determining the exposure and dosage requirements at the different
temperatures, As a result of this study, a schedule has been prepared for
the fumigation of refrigerator cars with HCN at temperatures ranging fron
U5" to 75 F. at 5-degree intervals.

‘MEXICAN FRUITFLY CONTROL

Inspection results,--The annual tree~toetree inspection of bearing
citrus trees in the regulated area under Quarantine No. 64, was practically
completed by the end of May. This inspection is for the purpose of re-
moving all mature and off-bloom fruit that might serve as hosts during the
host-free period. Only one infested fruit was found during this inspection.
It came from a grove found infested late in the season. During the early
part of May emergence from infested groves continued. Traps took 129 adults
this month, all but 12 of these, however, being tacen before May 15. The
decrease this season is following the normal trend of previous years. The
numbers of adults and larvac identified in. May were as follows:

ee

Species ; Texas : Moxico
_ Adults > Number. * Number
A. ludens Loew----------- ; 129 : 3
A, serpentina Wied-----~- ¢ y : 1
A. sp. "Y"22-_------------- : 1 : )
A. pallens Coq------------ : 61 : 27
pipette ue Car Gre ae
_ Larvae Hiaameal ae aus lacs
A. ludens-----------------~- 5 : 2,886
A. nonbinpracoptins Sein-~s ) - 65
Total-----~--~- --------- Sacer

CEREAL AND FORAGE INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

; HZarly seasonal ‘development of Buropean corn borer in Lake States.-«

A. M. Vance, Toledo, Ohio, reports that pupation anc energence of the
European corn borer dn Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana were earlier in the
spring of 1938 than in any previous year on record, The first pupa was
found west of Toledo, Ohio, on May 4 and the first evidence of noth ener-
&ence was noted there on May 26. The carliest previous records of pupation
and emergence in this areca were on May 26 and June l2, respectively, in .
1936. On May 11, 193%, 1 percent of the larvae ‘had pupated in a cornfield
exanined = Allen County, Ind., and 2 percent had pupated on June 1 at Mt.
Clemens, Mich., noar Toledo, in fields bdclieved to be largely infested by
& second generation cf the corn borer in 1937. Pupation in 1938 averaged

percent on May 12, 64 percent on May 26, and 84 percent on May 31 ané@ in

all cornfields exnnined the seasonal development of tho insect was unusually

~l

far advanced. The observed mortality of the corn borer in the Lake
States this spring avereged only 2 percent.

t id Y

' . Plight of June beetles (Phyllophaga spp.) in southern Wisconsin.--
Messrs. 2. Chomberlin, C. L. Fluke, Lee Seaton, and J. A. Callenbdach,
Madison, Wis., report that warm weather during April induced an early
flizht of June beetles, heavy flights occurring on April 25 and 26 in the
vicinity.of Medison. Cool weather thereafter reduced the flights to small
proportions until May 18, after which large flights occurred frequently.

In the districts between Darlington in Lafayette County and Linden in

Iowa County, many bur caks were stripped of their foliaze, especially those
in smalls nore or less isolated groves, Stripped oaks were more scattered
Sar oue Wear southwestern Wisconsin to some distance north of Madison,
Doubtless such stripping also occurred in other areas not observed. The
predominant species were Phyllophaga hirticula Knoch, P. rugosa Melsh.,

end P, fusca Froel, Flight of P. fusca began earlier in the season than
that of the other two species. “Thirteen add litional species have been taken
ee Foldowss iH. erushs Lanes prunina Leec., P. drakei Kby., P. ilicis Knochy

. implicita Horn, F, nitida Lec., P. anxia Lec. Pa ft P. futilis Lec., BP. mar=
A Sue Lec,, 2, crenulata Froel., PB. balia Say, Py inversa a Horn, and a:
spreta ‘Horn. ep sprota spreta and P, inversa were taken only at Gays Mills, Craw
ford County. FP. prunina has been abundant in woods on the sandy hills
near Lodi and a Colunbia County.

Developmental status of the black grain sten sawfly in.Ohio,=-Accorde
ing to J. S.. Houser ond 3. ie J, Udine, adults of Cepims tabvidus F, are now
(June 6) ovipositing in abundance in wheatfields in eastern Ohio. They were
still numerous in both the old stubble fields and the growing wheat, and
there are prospects for infestations comparable in intensity to those pres-
ent in the past few years. The principal parasite (Pleurotropis: benefica
Gahan), which attacks this sowfly, has noticeably inereased in numbers in
the whoatfields examined near Youngstown.

JAPANZSE BEETLE CONTROL

New sprayer-trailer’ wit in operation for Japanese beetle control.--
Sleek and trin in its new paint, a compact semitrailer sprayer unit was
@riven away from the Bloomfield garage on May 9 to start its contribution
toward the division's cooperative soil-treatnment programs in Marietta and
Ashtabula, Ohio. Designed by Donald B, Armstrong, of the control methods,
and development section of the divisicn, in collaboration with HE. G, Brewer,
divisional head, the sprayer was constructed by mechanics of the division.
Essentially, the trailer unit consists of a remodeled 1,000-gallon tank
with a light-weight spray pump operated by a Separate motor, all mounted
on a reconstructed chassis from a condemned 3$~ton truck. The front part
of the chassis was first stepped up to the required heisht for the fifth-
wheel plate tractor attachment. In reconstructing the discarded 1,000—
gollen tank for use on. the trailer, it was first necessary to weld ina 4
middle partition for the dual-tank arrangement, then to build a new botton
for the forward compartment to follow the sabe of the stepped-up chassis.
Instead of the canter manholes in the tanks, these were moved to the side

5

by welding on a dormerlike side common to both tanks, so that the insecti-
cide may be loaded in the tanks from the side. This resulted in a rear

tank of 300-gallon capacity for lead arsenate spray and a 580-gallon forward
tank for water used in washing in the spray mixture, In the rear of the
tanks is mounted a light-weight standard spray pump, powered by a motor fron
a wrecked $~ton truck, The power outfit is driven by sears, with the exe
ception of the chain drive on the agitatcr, All rotor controls, including

a button self-starter, are located on a rear panel, The tractor, trailer,
and equipment, inclucing 2,000 feet of hose, nozzles, anc supplies, weigh

10 tons. When both tanks are filled there is an additional load of 3-2/3
tons, <A 5—ton tractor with dual tires in the rear is used in conjunction
with this trailer. Vacwmeoperated brakes on the trailer wheels are hooked
up with the tractor brake systen.

.

Southern trapping for Japaneso bectle started.--Trap supervisors pro»
ceeded to Charleston, S. C., and Atlanta, Ga., during the month to start

the trapping in the South. The supervisor at Charleston will work north-
ward until trap setting is finally completed in New York, while the Atlanta

supervisor will work westward as far ag Chicago. Cooperative arrangements

have been nade with the States of Georgia and North Carolina for the furnish
ing of local labor to tend traps operntcd in sections where infestations have

been found in previous years. Distritution of trmis to the various field
offices of the Bureau scattered throuhout the United States continued dur-
ing May. Reports at the end of the menth showed that traps had been assen=
bled and placed at the following number of field stations in the States
listed: Alabana, 1; Arizona, 9; California, 7; Florida, 7; Georgia, 3;
Louisiana, 3; Mississippi, 3; New Mexico, 4; North Carolina, 1; Tennessee,
2; and Texas, 50.

pring soil-treating progran for Japanese beetle control nears cone
pletion,--Applications of lead arsenate were concluded during May at the
sites of the 1957 Japanese beetle infestations in Charlottesville, Va.;
Marietta, Ohio; Erie, Pa.; and Rochester, N. Y. Only a few days were re~
quired to spray 4 acres in Charlottesville, whore the work was finished on
May 4, Treatments of 36 acres in Drie, in progress since April 25, were
concluded on May 23; Rechester treatnents, covering approximately 70 acres,
were completed by May 26; and 5 acres were treated in Marietta, Ohio, bo=
tween May 12 anc 21. A newly constructed sprayer-trailer had its initiol

use on the Marictta job. At the conclusion of the spraying work in Marietta,

the sprayer-trailer was driven to Ashtabula, Ohio, where 6.5 acres were
treated between May 22 and June 3. Except for the soil-troating work still
to be perforned in Chicago, this concludes the trentments sche@uled for
this spring.

_. First reports of Japanese beotle energence.--Harliest reports of
Japanese beetle emergence were received from the Philadolphia district of-
fice. Two beetles were founc on roses in a yard at Bristol, Pa., on May 26
end another was found on the ground in the Bristol Cemetery. Three beetles
were collected from weeds near a greenhouse at Hatborc, Pa., on June l,

men aie

Nursery scouting in lightly infested gypsy moth area.~-Late in May
larval scouting was started in the Connecticut: nurseries that are author— @

ized to ship under gypsy moth permit. Most of these nurseries are also
classified under the Japanese beetle quarantine and ship under a certifi-
cate issued jointly under Quarantines 45 and 48. By the-end of the month
ono gypsy moth larva had been found on a previously uninfested nursery in
the Manchester, Conn., district. Larval scouting during June 1947 and re-
scouting of the, premises for egg clusters last winter failed to disclose
any infestation on these premises. Presence of this on the nursery is
attributed..to a severe windstorm from the east on May 15, which uprooted
many trees in the vicinity and probably dispersed small caterpillars for
some distance westward, <All stock moved from the block in which the infes-
tation was found will require inspection before removal to other parts of
the nursery, to other dealers, or to nonreguleted territory.

.

Cool weather lengthens New England nursery shipping season,--Consid—
erable cool, rainy weather during May permitted New England nurseries to
continue their shipping geason throughout the entire month. The district
inspector at Fromingham, Mass., reports that nearly twice as many cerloads
of nursery stock have been shipped from one of the large nurseries in his
district as moved in the spring of 1937. According to the district in-
spector at Westfield, Mass., one of the important nursery establishnents
in his district did 50 percent more business this spring than last. From
the Boston, Mass., district it is reported that the largest amount of cut
laurel ever certified from this market was inspected and sealed this spring.
Most dealers in cut lavrel report a larger volume of business this spring
than for many years.

Gypsy moth egg clusters and larvae renoved during inspections.--Since
egg hatchins was well under way in nost of the infested area in May, few
egg clusters were found on products presented for inspection and certifica-
ticn this month. One esg cluster was romoved during the inspection of a
carload of lunber being shipped from Deering Junction, Maine, to North.
Tonayanca, N. Y. One egg cluster and 25 larvae were removed fron another
carload inspected at Deering Junction prior to movement to North Jay, Maine,
and 15 caterpillars were taken from a bduncle cf nursery stock inspected at
East Boxford, Mags., for shipment to Guilford, Conn.

= ee a eee

A
Gypsy moth hatching in Maine. —--Barly in May first hatches of gypsy 9
noth egg clusters were observed in Maine at the following locations: Gray, t
May 5; Standish, May 9; Deering Junction, May 11; Burnhan, May 13; and Frye= ‘a
burs, May 15. : a
New townships added to Dutch elm disease infocted area.--A devita- |

lized tree in Delaware Township, Hunterdon County, WN. d., sampled at the :
4 i

tine of renoval, was reported by the lnboratory as infected on May 8. ‘This - ‘
tree was situated approxinately 700 feet east of the Delaware River. This. é
first-record case adds 37 square miles to the New Jersey zone of infection, ;
Of 17 confirmations reported fron New York during the week ended May 1, 1 \
diseased tree was located in Hariptonburgh, Orange County. This is a first— i
record infection for this torm and adds 26.3 square miles to the infected ,

Sie

gone, This tree was approximately 2 miles west of a 1957 Blooming Grove
confirmation and was located near the town of Girard. It was listed for
removal as a decadent tree on an old unfinished work order issued to a

C. C. C. cam in 1937, and was turned-in as unfinished when the camp was
abandoned in the fall of 1957. A large portion of the tree was blown down
in a heavy windstorm in 1937, leaving only a large stub remaining. When
the tree was destroyod on April 5, typical discolcration was founded in a few
of the suckers and in the live portion of the stump. Syrptoms of the
discase were ou only in the 1937 annual ring. Old Scolytus multistria-
tus galleries were found in the trunk but all beetles had emerged when the
tree was removed. Scouting for desd and dying trees around this point had
been completed by May 21 and 49 devitalized trees and several piles of slash
were tagged. Permissions for removal were soon obtained and the work was
completed in tho last 2 days of the monthly work. period,

Dutch elm disease activities in Indian: apolis,--Eln-sanite ‘tion work
in the city was co meloded avout Jume l. Onc crew of 5 men started syste-
matic scouting there on Nay 25 in the Brightwocd section. In 35 days of
scouting samples were collectod from 73 elms. An additional case of Dutch
eln disease was reperted in the city late in the ucnth. Hylurgopinus rufi-
pes Hich, has been active in Indianapolis since the first of May. Well-
ceveloped egg gallorics were foun@ in elm slash on May 5.. The fall canker-
worm has defoliated nany elms in the northern part of the Indianapolis work
erea, A few of the fall cankerwrrs were noticed in 1936. They were
present but caused liveis acrviiation in 1937. This year they are.very
abundant in certain areas, Second-grovth elm foliage may be produced be~
fore scouting begins.

fransition from elmesanitation activitics to sunner scouting,--Prepa-
rations for the summer scouting season wore made throughout the infected
States, Trucks ani scouting equipment wore overhauled and assigned. A new
scout manual was also prepared to assist in the training of men for this
work, Field activities of security wage workers were at a mininun after
May 26, when most of the nen completed their 15-day work period. Thore will
be no nore work of a general nature until the training school for summer
scouts begins on June 6.

Early season wilting of elm foliage.-~In New York eln foliage show~
ing wilting characteristic sf the Dutch eln ciscase was first noted in
central and lower Westchester County on Mny 16, Little discoloration in
the wood of the wilted trees was in evidence. On hiay 19 a tree was found
in Harrison, Westchester County, with wilted water sprouts and showing
definite discoloration. Severe wiltine of that tree was aprarent by May 28.
Definite foliase wilting in New Jersey was first obsorved on Mey 20 in
Souerset County. The age typical wilting seen in low Jersey in 1937
was at Green Villaze, Morris County, on, May 50.

Power-saw units moved from swanp.--Clear-cutting operations for con-
trol of the Dutch. eln disoase by the power saw units in the Great Mendows
section of Warren County, N. J., were discontinved at the end of Mav. A
large quantity of wood renains to ‘be piled and burned behind these units.

ane gE RRR EE ORNS AR

-S—

All clear-cutting work for which permissions have been obtained on the
. southeast side of the Pequest River is completed, except for this piling
and burning. ,

Millionth culture plate for elm disease poured,—-Report from the
Morristown, N. J., research laboratory states that on Friday, May 14, the
millionth petri dish of potato-dextrose agar was poured. The first cultuyve
plate for elm chips being tested for Dutch elm disease was poured at Morris-
town on June 5, 1934. During 1937 a total of 338,152 plates was poured.

Watch injected elm trees.--Observations of the 859 elms injected with
gine chloride by workers from this division were continued during the month
by members of the staff of the Division of Forest Insect Investigations
from the Morristown, N. J., laboratory. Last nonth's news notes reported
in error that this work was performed in cooperation with the Division of
Forest Pathology, Bureau of Plant Industry, at the Morristown laboratory.

FOREST INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Survey of Suropean spruce sawfly.--R. C. Brown, of the New Haven,
Conn., laboratory, reports that plans are under way for surveying the in
portant spruce areas of New England and New York, in cooperation with the
States. One of the principal objectives of the survey is to determine the
location of suitable infestations of Diprion polytomun (Hte.) for parasite
liberations. FP. B. Dowden will have immediate charge of the details of the
SUrVey.

auropean spruce sawfly emergence and parasite work.--Mr. Dowden re=
ports that the first emergence of Diprion polytonum adults in the field

was observed on May 4 at Mount Monadnock (Dublin, N. H.). Square~foot
sauples of duff were taken at Wilmington and Lincoln, Vt., on May 5 and 6
and the sawfly cocoons analyzed. Results from 15 samples at each locality
are shown in the following table.

Diprion polytorun cocoons found

Locality Previously:Killed by: De :

energed :predators: rues Eee a

: Number $: WNunber :Nunber:Nunber ; Nunber
Wilnington---‘ NeGi a TSS i ee ON. ee Sie: 647
Lincoln------ : Yok ss PIS ON 2S IQ BIO 705

Reproduction work with Microplectron fuscipennis Zett. is progress-—
ing satisfactorily. Cocoons containing approxinately 1,200,000 larvae of
this parasite are being held at temperatures that will retard development
until time for colonization. Some experiments are under way in attempting
to rear Microcryptus sp., a cocoon parasite of D. polytomun received fron
the Canadian parasite laboratory at Belleville, Ontario,

nee se eS ow

Pe

ee

age

Satin noth parasite liberated.—-Mr. Dowden also reports that 451

—— -—_——

puparia of Tachinonyia similis Will. reared.from the satin noth were ro-
ceived from Olympia, Wash., in July 1937. They were hibernated at New
Haven. Adult flies issued between April 30 and May 8. A total of 254
adults--130 males and 124 femoles--emerged. The flies mated well and a

colony of 104 mated females was liberated at Waterbury, Conn., on May 12.

White pine weevil reclamation plots show results.--H. J. MacAloney,

of the New Haven laboratory, reports that the white pine weevil reclanation
plots at Petersham, Mass., were measured and notes on the condition of the
pruned trees taken during the last week of May, The predictions made by

A. C. Cline and Mr. MacAloney in the beginnings of the oxperiment have na-
terialized. The pruned trees are putting on satisfactory diameter growth
end are- straightening at the points where weeviling occurred. Practically
all the girdled trees have died and are breakins cown gradually, thereby
acting as "trainers" to the pruned trees during the process of disintegra-
tion, The girdled trees which have not died have bridged at the point of
girdling or are root-grafted with healthy trees, Additional pruning to
make a clear log length of 16: feet and girdling a few nore competing scrubby
dominant trees is necessary this year. The maximum cost of $8 per acre for
€irdling, predicted during the earlier work, will not be exceeded. The
pruning cost is a necessary management expense to obtain clear lumber and
should not be considered as an entomolosical feature, whereas the girdling
cost can be so considered,

Observations on two pine sawflies in the Northeast.--J. V. Schaffner,
Jr., New Iaven, reports as follows on two species of Neodiprion which have
attracted attention in the Northeast during the last few years: "An ex
tensive survey was made during May in the northern part of New Jersey, along
the eastern border of Pennsylvania, and in southeastern New York, to de-
ternine the distribution of Neodiprion sertifer Geoff. Only a few definite
recoveries were nade outside the linits of infestation found in LOB fe im
Lanington onc Far Wills, N. J., severe defolixtion was noted on red, Scotch,
Montana, jack, and Japanese red pines, On one estate in Lamington several
hundred red pines, ranging fron 5 to 15 feet in height, had practically all
old foliage eaten and thousands of larvne were massed on the trunks: and
branches on May 24, The defoliation on the other pine ranged from about
50 to nearly 100 percent. The feeding on white pine, Austrian pine, and
Japanese (black?) pine was very light, although these trees are growing in
close proxinity to heavily infested species. At Far Wills, N. J., some
Pinus montana at the entrance to an estate had been dcfoliated (all old
needles) both in 1937 and in 1938. This year nearly full-grown larvae were
also found feeding on blue spruce and white pine near the defoliated P. non-~
tana. The indications are that the spruce and white pine are not favored
but that larvae will feed on these species when grown in close proxinity to
favored species. In regard to the second species, Neodiprion sp., on red
pine, observations in red pine plantations in Worcester an? Middlesex Coun—
ties on May 5 and 6 indicated that hatching had taxon place during the last
week of April and the hatch approached 100 percent. In one plantation at
Groton, Mass., with trees from 18 to 20 fect in height, counts showed an
average of 13 tips per branch, with 3 tips per branch infested, In e2 natural

w

stand of red pine reproduction, random counts on trees fron 12 to 15 feet

~1LO-

high showed an average of nearly 7 tips per branch, with the infested tips
averaging 15 tips per branch. The larvae are gregarious and were found
feeding on the tips near the eggs from which they had hatched. The infes—
tation is rather heavy in these areas anc many plantaticns are being
sprayed,"

Injections with enzynie from Matsucoccus scale produce typical in-
jury.--T. J. Parr, New Maven, reports that in recent studies with Matsu-

coccus sp., salivary glands dissected out of first- and second-instar
insects have been extracted in 30-percent glycerine, using an extraction
tine of 18 hours at room temperature. Fresh salivary secretion fron six
sets of glands extracted in 10 mm of 30-percent glycerine was injected on
May 21.into the new growth on No, 1 pitch pine in the greenhouse, Five
enzyme injections were made, with one check of 30-percent glycerine, Five
nore enzyme injections were made on another shoot of the same pine on May
24 with five check injections. In this case the checks consisted of three
empty bulbs for mechanicel injury and two glycerine-filled bulbs. On May
2h, three of the five injections made on May 21 appeared to show "typical
injury." No injury was apparent on the check. (By typical injury is meant
a yellowing of the plant tissue on the surface of the new growth around the
glass injection tube. This yellowing occurs not only laterally, where it
might possibly be caused vy compression of the plant tissue during in-
jection, but also lengthwise of the stom, above and below the.point of ine
jury.) <All five of the enzyme injections made on May 21 were showing
"typical injury" on May 25. The glycerine check still showed nothing. On
the same date two of the five enzyme injections made on May 24 appeared to
be showing syzptoms of typical injury. The. checks~-both dry~bulb and 30-
percent glycorine-- showed no injury.

Concentrated spray mixture effective.-~S. F. Potts, New Haven, re—
ports that an examination of 100 of the 1,200 pines sprayed with a concen-
trated lead arsenate mixture at East Rutherford, N. J., for Zuropean pine
shoot moth control, showed approximately 90=percent kill of overwintering
larvae. ‘

Autogiro uses concentrated spray nixture against sawfly.--R. R.
Whitten, of the Morristown, N. J., laboratory, reports that in 1937 a
serious infestation of an introduced pine sawfly (Acantholyda erythrocephala
L,) was found in a large-stock nursery at Oakland, N. J. This infestation
covered approximately 12 acres and occurred on Pinus strobus, P. resinosa,
P. sylvestris, FP. nigra, and P. densiflora ranging fron 6 to 20 feet in
height. By June 15 the larvae had completely devoured all the old needles
on nore than 80 percent of the P. resinesa. Control of this pest in 1938

by the application cf an arsenical spray was considered, but it was found
that with ordinary ground equipment it would be necessary to first cut sev-
eral roads through the densely growing stand. It was therefore decided to
attempt the job by means of an autogiro equipped to distribute 2 concen-
trated load arsenate spray mixture. The formula for this nixture was as
follows; 200 pounds powdered lead arsenate, 50 gallons water, 10 gallons ~
fish oil, and 23 gallons peraffin oil. The nixture was applied at the rate
of 20 pounds of lead arsennte per acre, or approxinately 10 gallons of

a

a Sea ee

a ie

concentrated mixture per acre. The application was made early in the
morning of June l, The atmospheric conditions were very good, with

no wind and considerable dew on the foliage. The atomization of the spray
was excellent and the resulting coverage good, even on the lower branches
of the more densely growing trees. At the time the spray was applied the
majority of the larvae were about one-third grown, On June 3, 2 days after
the spray was applicd, a collection of 876 larvae was made by clipping in-
fested terminals from all parts of the sprayed area. An examination of
these revealed that 94 percent of the larvae had been killed. An examina-
tion of a few nearby infested pines, which had not been sprayed, showed
that 93 percent of the larvae were alive and active. On a second visit to
the sprayed area on June 6 an extensive survey revealed only an occasional
living larva. Considerable spray deposit remained on the foliage after
about 1 inch of rain, The spraying waS done by a commercial firm. The Mor-
ristown laboratory cooperated with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture
in recommending the mixture used and in checking the results.

Dutch elm disease areas in Indiana and Ohio examined.--W. C. Baker, of
the Morristown laboratory, spent May 9 to 1/7 in Indianapolis, Ind., and
May 18 to 21 in Athens, Ohio, making observations on bark beetles and borers
attacking elm in the areas where the Dutch elm disease has been found to oc-
cur. He was assisted by members of the Dutch elm disease eradication unit.
The native elm bark beetle {Hylurgopinus rufipes Eich.), previously found
in both Indianapolis and Athens, was again found in material examined in
both cities. The smaller European elm bark beetle (Scolytus multistriatus
Marsh.) has not yet been found in Indianapolis but occurs in Athens. In
the vicinity of Athens it was noted that the girdling of elm trees by
farners, a practice followed to eliminate then from farm and pasture lands,
makes available a continuous supply of material suitable for the develop—
nent of Scolytus. The species is therefore very abundant in that section.
Several native coleopterous insects that attack elm were seen at both
Indianapolis and Athens. The population of the elm borer (Saperda triden—
tata Oliv.) was extremely high in Indianapolis. Two other ceranbycids,
Physocnermum brevilineun (Say) and Neoclytus acuninatus (Fab.); two bu- ;
prestids, Chrysobothris fenorata (oli) and Anthaxia viridifrons Gory; and
two bark weevils, Magdalis arnicollis Say and M. barbita Say, were common,
A bostrichid, Xylobiops basillare (Say), was found in abundance at Athens
in certain trees that were apparently in suitable condition for egg laying.

Chemical injections to kill elms tested further,—-The Morristown,
N. J., laboratory is cooperating with the Dutch eln disease eradication unit
in an experinent to determine whether elm trees can be satisfactorily killed
and subsequent bark Deetle attack prevented by introducing zinc chloride
solution into the treo trunks. The laboratory had previously tested the na~
terial on a small scale with promising results, and the present experinent
is intended to determine whether it will prove satisfactory when uscd on a
large scale to elininate undesirable wild elms. Approxinately 850 trees
were treated in April while the trees were dormant, and about 500 additional
trees were treated in May after the foliage had appeared. In April all
trees wero treated with 60 grams of zinc chloride per dianeter~inch at
breast height, using the chisel-kerf and rubber—collar method, The sane

{912}

dosase was used on the trees treated in May but, while the chisel-kerf and
rubber collar method was used on part of them, the turpentine hack-kerf 4
and rubber-collar method was used on the remainder for purposes of compari- |
son,

Ips _infe estation in Indian Reservation.--J. C0. Evenden, of the forest
insect laboratory, Coeur d'Alene, Idsho, reports thot in 1936 and 1937 a
rather severe killing of ponderosa pine by Ips oregoni Hich. occurred on
Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, Mont. This infestation developed in pine
trees growing on submarginel lands and which had been weakened by a period
of deficient precipitation. The method of logging practiced in connection
with the apes of a small sawmill on the reservation was responsible
for building the Ips population to a point where their attaclzs in these
weakened trees became primary. During the last season an effort was made .
to conduct the logging operation in such a manner that the logs would be
sawed prior to the emergence of the first ips generation in the spring of.
the year. Unfortumtely this plan was defeated through the burning of the
sawmill the latter part of May, leaving approximately 20,000 board feet of
ponderosa pine logs which were heavily infested with Ips. Mr. Evenden, who
examined the drea the first of June, recommended that the infested logs be:
rolled onto a peeling deck, have the bark removed, and then destroy: the bark
by burning.

Mountoin pine beetle infestation, Coeur d'Alene National Forest.—-Mr.
Evenden also reports that the control project instituted in, the fall of
1937 to combat a localized outbreak of the mountain pine beetle in white
pine had to be discontinued in October, because of heavy snows, but that
work was again undertaken about the middle of May. . Because of extreme fire
‘danger, the trees are being felled and the infested lengths peeled. Work
is progressing nicely and will be completed by the middle of June,

GYPSY MOTH AND BROWN-TAIL MOTH CONTROL

Gypsy moth egg survival varies greatly.--Hatching of gypsy moth eggs
was Se Ey vate this year, ranging from complete emergence to com
plete winter-kill. Eggs deposited in prowecved locations in areas where . :
the temperature did ae drop velow -15° -F, during the winter suffered very )
little mortality, while unprotected egg clusters in colder. situations were
partially or totally destroyed. All gypsy moth eggs are killed by a ten-
perature of - 25° and some vortality occurs at -15 In years when a general ©
cold wave sweeps over the infested territory gyps au moth infestation is %

greatly reduced, as practically ‘all of the cfg clusters not covered by snow

or ice are killed. Conversely, a mild open winter is usually followed by
a fuch heavier gypsy noth infestation. The last winter does not fall into v
either category. Relatively mild temperatures prevailed in many sections,
while killing tetperatures were recorded in others. Consequently, while
the caterpillar srergence was above normal over most of the gypsy noth in-
fested territory, the nortality was very heavy in some localities.

Retardation of foliage development delays spraying.-—When unseasonably E
warn weather in April caused the early start of deciduous foliage development, ©

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indications were that it might be possible to begin gypsy moth spraying
earlier than June 1, the usual starting date in New England. However, the
expansion of the foliage was practically halted by cold, stormy weather,
accompanied by severe frosts in numerous restricted areas, during the

second week in May. This was followed the next week by a general heavy
frost throughout the infested areas in New England and eastern Pennsylvania,
causing such serious damage to the foliage that much of it died and is being
replaced by new foliage from the secondary buds. It was possible, howevor,
to bogin spraying in selected areas in Massachusetts on May 25 and at one
location in Connecticut the next day. The selected areas contained no oak
trees, the predominating growth consisting principally of gray birch, maple,
and elm, all of which produce early foliage. Areas containing white oak,
ash, hickory, and black birch will not be ready for spraying before June l.

Preparations for gypsy noth s spraying.--Sypsy moth scouting was cur~ :
tailed in May in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania, as
the major part of the working force was employed in preparing for spraying.
Early in the month large quantities of supplies were moved from the store-
houses in Greenfield, Mass., and Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to various points in
the field central to the work, ready for distribution when needed. Thoue
sands of feet of spray hose were transported to the areas to be sprayed and
hose lines were laid, ready for immediate use, Sprayers were driven to
their stations and made ready for work, tanks have been mounted on small
trucks to serve the sprayers witn gasoline, and two skilled shop mechanics
were detailed to check up the pumps and make any necessary ninor adjustments.
A large force of W. P. A. workers was employed during the month in erecting

barbded-wire fences around areas where spraying will be done, to prevent live-

stock from eating the poisoned foliage, and in preparing sot-ups for the
spraying apparatus near the water supplies, Progress in all branches of the
work was satisfactory, and preparntions were completed so that actual spray-~
ing could begin as planned. In addition to the preparations for spraying,
the workers have applied great quantities of strip burlap to trees at in-
fested locations in both the barrier zone and the Pennsylvania area. The
burlap bands will be patrolled regularly and all caterpillars seeking shel-
ter under them will be killed.

Storms provide wator near areas to be sprayed.--The storns which
caused considerable damage to tree growth during the latter part of May
were net en unnixed evil, so far as gypsy woth work is concerned. The rains
swelled small streams and filled water holes, which were nearly dricd up a
short time previously. In many cases this will assure a suitable convenient
water supply, during a part of the spraying season at least, and enables
the sprayers to be placed much'closer to the areas to be sprayed than was
anticipated.

Snow delays Maks development in the Green Mountains,--Thile deciduous
foliage had expanded sufficiontly to permit gypsy noth spraying by the end

of May in most of the infosted territory in New England, the contrary was
true in the nountainous sections of Vermont. All of the highor peaks in the
Green Mountain Range were still covered with snow ori May 21, and there was

no indication of folisge development on deciduous growth, c except on occasional

small shrubs in particularly protected spots. There is always a considerable

Ty

leg in foliage development in this region, but this year the difference is
especially marked.

‘Scouting work rushed in area soon to be flooded.--Gynsy moth scouting
was recently resumed in woodland areas above the future high water mark.
surrounding the site of the Little Winooski River dam, located in the towne
ship of Waterbury in the northern part of the Vermont barrier zone area.
Work in this section was discontinued in midwinter when deep snow rendered
the roads impassable, but every effort is now being made to complete scout
ing in all areas above the level of the spillway before the water impounded
within the flood-control reservoir floods sections of the roads now open
for automobile travel.

Many young white pines killed by gypsy moth.--A gypsy moth official
recently inspected an area in the Milton-Cantcn section of Boston that was
severely defolinted by the gypsy moth last year. There was formerly a fine
understory of white pine over'a large part of the area, but most of it is
now either dead or dying as the result of a single complete gypsy moth de-~
foliatian. Some of the trees have produced a few small clusters of new
needles but in many cases the terminals are dead and the bark withered, in-
diceting that they have little chance to survive,

Gypsy moth spraying in Pennsylvenia,--The securing of spraying per-—
nits in residential sections of the gypsy moth infested area in Pennsyl-
vania was completed during the first part of May. Only 18 of a total of
1,588 property owners refused to sign the standard form of permit, and the
few who refused permission were served with notices by an official of the
bureau of plant industry of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
under authority granted in the Pennsylvania Plant Pest Act of 1937, so
that the premises could be treated in their proper order. Spraying of resi-
dential districts in the Susquehanna and Lackawanna River Valleys was be-
gun on May 16. Infestation conditions in these residential areas have in-
proved to such an extent that only 10 sprayers are needed this year, while
26 were required a year ago. The spraying schedule is so arranged that the
work should be completed in the towns and villages by the time that the
foliage in the woodlands becomes large enough to hold the poison officiently.

Black flies force suspension of scouting.--Multitudes of small black
flics attacked gypsy moth scouts in sorie sections of the Pennsylvania in=
fested area on May 3 to such an extent that scouting became impossible,
Several lotions sold as repellents were tried but none proved satisfactory
and the eyes and lips cf nany of the men were badly swollen from insect

bites before work was discontinued for the day.

Tree bending and

atrolling chief occupation of C. C0. C. gypsy noth 7

crews during May.--Banding trees with strips of burlap became the chief oc-
cupation of ©. C. C. enrollees in gypsy moth work during May. By May 14 a

over 170,000 trees had been burlapped in Massachusetts and Connecticut. As
the season was not as. far advanced in Vermont, the enrollees in that section |

were employed during this period in preparing areas for burlapping. Later 7
in the month patrolling the bands and killing all caterpillars found seeking ©

shelter under the burlap occupied nost of their tine.

-15-

Tent caterpillars abundant in Massachusetts and Vernont.-—-Observa-
tions made during the first week in May by C. C. C. enrollees engaged in

gypsy noth work in Massachusetts and Vernont disclosed heavy infestations
of forest tent caterpillars in those States, where they have been abundant
for about 3 years. The eastern tent caterpillar is also plentiful, as has
been the case for several years. Many trees were completely defoliated.

‘PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

Barberry-cradication force expanded in Wisconsin.~-On May 16 the bar-
berry-eradication field force in Wisconsin was increased from 121 men work

ing in 7 counties to 275 men working in 11 counties. These additional men
reported for work during the first 3 days of the second pay period in the
month, thus making it possible for the State leader and his assistants to
give the suporvisors 9 naximun amount of assistance in training and start-
ing the nen to work. No difficulty was experienced in obtaining a suffi+~
cient number of experienced foremen to provide adequate supervision at
places where it was most desirable that survey work be undertaken, The

154 men added to the field force were obtained in 4 counties. The entire
force is now working out of 11 ficld headquarters with an average of 25 men
in cach place. Present field work is conducted with two points in view.
work in areas of escaped barberries and survey to finish counties where work
has been in constant progress sinco the energency program started in 1933.
Area survey now being done is a resurvey of infested territories that were
last inspected in 1933 or 1934. Considerable progress has been made with
intensive survey in the southern half of Wisconsin since the spring of 1933.
Every known area of escaped barberries has been worked once. and other in=’
fested arcas have been found and eradicated. The records show that 25
counties have. been completed by the intensive survey method and 14 others
have received varying amounts of survey. There is a comparatively snall
amount of work yet to be done in 6 of these 14 counties, and it should be
possible to finish then in 1938 if a sizable progran can be continued
throughout the season,

More than two million barberries already destroyed in Virginia this
year.--During the first 4 months of the present year 2,782,485 native bar-—
berry bushes were destroyed on 82 properties in southwestern Virginia, by
the use of 151 tons of salt. In April some resurvey work was coné@ucted in
twe counties and 14,835 sprouting barberry bushes were destroyed. In-
spection of large arcas where salt brine was used last summer and fall in-
dicates that brine can be used very effectively in actual cradication field
practice. Good kills were secured by the application of 80 pounds of.
evaporated salt per square rod. Prelininary observations indicate that the
use of salt brine was more effective if applied when the soil was ary.
Squads of laborers began the first eradication work in Russell and Botetourt
Counties on May 16 at the urgent request of the county agents and farners,
and 31 men are now employed in these two counties. The cocperation received
in these counties has been excellent. In Russell County one farner donated
the use of his 13-ton truck with a driver for 6 hours to assist ir unloading
a 4WO-ton car of salt. The use of entire houses, barns, sheds, and other
buildings has been donated for storing salt. In some cases even locks and
keys have also been furnished.

1 Ge

"Lost species" of Ribes found in Cal ifornia,--A most interesting dis-
covery was made on May 20, 1948, by 7, H. Harris | and F, A. Patty, of the Oak-
land blister rust control office, of Ribes tularensis, a species of Ribes
which has been lost for sone 30 years. These SRE. first thought to
be R. binoninatum, but later detcrnined by C. R. Quick, of the Borkeley
blister rust office,as R. tularensis, were found growing in abundance on a
area of about 500 acres in the Sequoia National Park in the vicinity of Ree
joicing Summit, a locality on the southwestern edge of Giant Forest, in
Tulare County, Calif. The Ribes were fairly widespread in a dense forest
consisting mainly of white fir and sugar pine, on northerly and easterly
slopes at an estimated altitude of 5,500 feet. The species was not en-
ice in other localities visited by Messrs. Harris and Patty in their

inspection of various areas within the park, Ribes tularensis had previously
been known from a single collection nade in the Giant Forest in August 1905
by Katharine Brandegee and described by Dr, Coville in 1908 in North American
Flora (v. 22, part 3, pe 218). The species seemed then to have disappeared
from this locality, as the Giant Forest has been carefully inspected by
competent botanists without finding it. The type specimen, and presumably
the only specinen, of Grossvlaria tularensis Cov. is supposed to be in the
herbariun of the University of California. On an index sheet, without a
specinen, filed with the rest of the Ribes material on floor 3 (fanily 118)
of the herbarium, is an identification label reading as follows? "Herberiun
of the Univ. of Calif. Grossularia tularensis Coville. The type shcet or
its representative is filed in the type collection on sheet No. 79,592."
In'a small pocket on this index Se are two slips of paper, one a regular
specinen-identification slip, reads: "Flora of California. Ribes Giant
Forest, Tulare County, Katharine Saleae,, August 1905." On the the second
slip, the following is written, apparently in the same hand as that on the
identification label: "The type is the only plant in existence, was col-
lected by Mrs. Brancegee in the Giant Forest, Aug. Passed over to Dr. Rose
who hac a photograph made of it. This and a Leaf are in the U. S. National
Herbarium. This Hae Osta ane is on the type sheet in the type case,"

White pine infection study plot established. --An infection study plot

Ory Bs eaueue chains was established near Loudonville, Ohio, the latter part
of April by HE. EH. Honey, of the Milwaukee, Wis., regional cffice, This |

study plot shows that l. 6 percent. of the trees on the plot were infected
Foon 1930 to 1934. The highest percentage of infection cecurred in 1932,
Apparently all of the visible cankers developed before the first aus eradi-
cation, which was performed on August 31 and September 3 and 4, 1930. Records
show that approximately 250 R. cynosbati per acre were pulled by C. C. C.
crews at that time. <A second working performed on April 4 and 5, 1935, re=
sulted in the removal of approxinately 68 bushes per acre, These were much
smaller than these found on the first era adication,

Se te ee ey ee

Blister rust control _ work in Saratoga County, N. Y.—-The Board of Super=
visors of SS County, _ N. Y., recently appropriated $6,000 for blister.
rust control work. The nen that are to be employed on the project will be
taken from among those not eligible for W. P. A. relief but who need assist- a
ance. Employment will be given to abovit 25 men during the period from May 15 i
to September 30, and their efforts will be confined chiefly to initial con-
trol work, since 26,000 acres in this county have not as yet been protected.

eles

Newly infected county reported from Ohio.--Blister rust infection was
found by State leader 0. J. Dowd on white pine in Holmes County on May ll.

This is the first time blister rust has been found in this county.

Field work begun in western white pine region.--Field operations have
gotten orf off to a good start in n tho western white pine region of Idaho, Wash

ington, and Montana. Carmms have been established by both the Bureau and
the Forest Service, Labor turnover has been very light and the quality of
labor measures considerably higher, as compared to that of recent years
Inspection of Ribes eradication showed pe eciaa: efficient work, niion
would compare favorably with that of select crews. Field conditions have
been good for early season work as the Ribes were in full leaf and the
foliage on associa*ed brush is much slower in coming out. Chemical work
was started on the Clearwater National Forest about the first of June,
whereas in former years it was not begun until late in June or early in
July. A large amount of mop-up work will be done this season in strean-
type; also, cuteover ares reproducing to white pine will be reworked where
sufficient Ribes have core back to cause additional infection, Temporary
personnel paid from W. PF. A. allotments totaled 894 for May.

COTTON INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Danage to cotton by henipterous insects in Puerto Rico.-~In order to
determine the anount of 1b of dannge caused by the bollefeeding group of henip-
terous insects, 8,056 mature green bolls were examined from 78 fields by
L. C. Fife, of the Mayaguez, P. R., laboratory, throughout the cotton-growing
districts during 1935, 1936, and 1937. The injured bolls per field averaged
20.1 percent, ranging from 0 to 52 percent. On one occasion the nunbersof
injured bolls and locks were recorded separately. Of 900 bolls examined, the
percentage of injured bolls ranged fron 6 to 30, averaging 16.6 percent,
and the percentage of injured locks ranged from 3 to 19, averaging 9 percent.
Most of the danage was probably caused by the following pyrrochorids and
pentatonids, as they were found tc be rather abundant in the fields: Dysder-
cus sanguinnarius Stal,, Dysdercus andreas Wag Nezara viridula L., Acros

sternun marginatun P, B., Thyanta perditor Wate Podisus sacitta Bats ~Piezo-
dorus guildinii Westw., and Mormidea cubrosa Dallas,

Bollworm on cotton in Fuerto Rico.--Mr, Fife reports that during the
25 years in which he was stationed in Puerto Rico the bollworm (Heliothis
obdsoleta (F,)) was never ovserved to attack Sea Island cotton, Gorn is
usually heavily infested and Heliothis is one of the nost serious pests
of this crop in Puerto Rico, The bellworm attacks Sea Island as readily
as short-staple cotton in the continental United States. Heliothis virescens
(F.) was occasionally found attacking cotton in Puerto Rico,

Pink bollworm cnergence.—-The number of pink bollwornm noths emerging,
during May from overwintered’ larvae was considersbly less than last year,
according to reports from A. J. Chapman and H, S, Cavitt, of Frosidio, Tex,
Of the approxinately 40,000 larvac in cotton bolls used in the exyperinents
to deternine the orecat under different conditions, only 7,2 percent had

energed by the end of the nonth, as compared with 10.4 percent under comparable

~18-

conditions last year, In the cages in which winter irrigations were ap-
plied following winter burial there was 5.4 percent emergence, whereas
10.3 percent had emerged in the cages in which winter burial was not fol-
lowed by a winter irrigation, The earlier in the winter the bolls contain=
ing the larvae were buried and irrigated, the lower the emergence; and the
earlier in the winter the bolls were buried but not irrigated, the higher
the emergence. In the series of cages installed to determine the effects
of the time of a spring irrigation on the time of emergence, there was a
much earlier emergence from cages watered on March 10 than from the cages
not irrigated until April. It was again noted this year that where irri-
gation was delayed until April 20 most of the emergence occurred over a
very short period while in the cages that did not receive a spring irri-
gation the emergence was strung ovt over a considerable period. There has
been little difference in the emergence thus far from the cages in which
the bolls were buried 6 inches and cultivated to a depth of two-thirds
inch following the March-15 irrigatio and from cages with similar treat-
ment except that they were not cultivated, The emergence tree larvae that
left the bolls and spun cocoons in the ground hes averaged 0.443 percent,
as compared to an average of {.2l percent of larvae in bolls receiving
sinilar treatment, These results are in agreement with those obtained last
year and indicate that larvae leaving the bolls and spinning wp in the
soil may not be as important in the pink bollworm carry-over as had been
thought.

Pink bollworm parasites.—-One generation of Microbracon nigrorufun Cush
has been reared on Ephestia larvae fron the adults received from Japan last
nonth by L. W. Noble at the Presidio, TEX. y Laboratory. The results of
rearing on this host were dis appointing, as a high percentage of the para-
site larvae died before spinning cocoons and over 60 percent of those that
spun cocoons did not complete development. Most of this mortality seems to
have been caused by decay among the host larvae anc it is thought that the
percentage of development can be increased by frequent transfers fron hosts
beginning to decay. The present rearing technique will have to be improved
before it can be adapted to large-scale rearing, An examination of over
700 adults of Chelonus blackburni Cameron to determine the sex was nade.
Only females were again . found and no males have been found in any of the
1aterial reared in the Presidio laboratory. During the last several nonths
adults of this species have not lived as long as formerly, possibly because
of prolonged breeding under artificial conditions.

PINK BOLLWORM AND THURBERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

The 1938 crop.--The new cotton crop in the lower Rio Grande Valley
of Texas has continued to make excellent progress. The first bale of the.
season was ginned on May 31, this being the second earliest bale in the
history of the vdlley. Considerable cotton is beginning to open in the dry-=
land section but it will be several weeks before there is wich ginning. In
the Matamoros section of Mexico, which is opposite the lower Rio Grande
Valley of Texas, the cotton crop is also making Sore aaa At the re-
quest of the Mexican inspector in charge of that district, inspectors of
this project have acconpban anied hin from time to time on ee trips in

~19-

his district. On May 12, while inspecting blooms in a field 2 niles north-
west of Matanoros, one pink bollworm larva was found and on May 15 four
additional larvae were found in another field 4 miles northwest of Matamoros.
Following these fincings in Mexico, some field inspection has been, done on
the American side but with negative results. In the remaining districts of
the regulated area the cotton crop is making satisfactory progress.

Stub cotton.--As mentioned in the last News Letter practically all of
the stub cotton in the regulated area of Arizona was killed by cold weather.
In the Big Bend area of Texas stub cotton continued to grow and put on cone
siderable fruit during May. Much of the cotton was destroyed while crops
were being eultivated, but there -are several abandoned fields that contain
a good deal of this type of cotton. Inspections have been nade throughout

. the month and it has deen fairly easy to find specimens of the pink bollworn,
The stub cotton has not been watered in the abandoned fields and indications
were that it would soon stop fruiting. The field cotton, however, was
putting on considerable fruit by the end of the month and inspections will
be made next month.

Laboratory inspection,~-The Thurberia bolls collected from various..
Mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona have all been inspected. The re-=
sults were negative so far as the pink bollworm is concerned; however, a con—
siderable number of Thurbcria weevils were found. . At the San Antonio )labora~
tory green—boll samples collected outside regulated areas have been inspected
with negative results. Green bolls collected within the recvlated area have
been inspected at field stations and a few specimens of the pink bollworn
were found in counties where infestation had alrcady been established,

Thurberia-plant eradication.--Approxinately 68 laborers have been on-
ployed under this activity during May. They worked in the Santa Catalina
Mountains of southern Arizona, covering 2,520 acres and locating and de-
stroying 19,336 Thurberia plants. Most of these plants were heavily infested
with Thurberia weevil, It is estinated that work can be carried on fron
the present camp until the first of September, There are sone rather large
colonies of plants on the western slopes of this range but the weather ha
been exceptionally dry and it has not been practical to establish a camp
there. An adequate water supply is available at the present camp fron a
well on a ranch.

Wild-cotton eradication,-~Bxcellent progress was nade with the eradica~
tion of wild cotton in southern Florida throughout May. -There was consider-
able rainfall in sone sections but very little time was lost. .On the upper
west coast a third recleaning for this scason is nearing completion. In the
Ten Thousand Islands section a second cleaning was in progress. This crew
located and destroyed two virgin colonies coverinz some 18 acres and contain-
ing 311 mature and 230 secdling plants. A second clenning has been completed
On the mainland keys. During the month approxinately 3, 1.00 acres were
covered, fron which 17,838 seedling and 17 sprout plants were removed. It
is of interest to note that only 330 of the plants contained bolls. . In con-
nection with the third recleaning on the west coast, a considerable anount

Cae

Of scouting has been done near known colonies and also in other locations

favorzble for wild cotton. Plantings of Sea Island cotton now extend southward

=—2 Abe -

to a point east of Tampa, which means that such plantings occur inter-
nittently from close tc the wild ¢ctton area all the way to the nain Cotton
Belt, It-is therefore very important to be absolutely sure that no wild
cotton is overlooked and allowed to produce fruit, especially along the
upper west ¢oast. Some 350 wild cotton bolls were inspected as plants were
being destroyed in the Bradenton section. This is the most northern section
on the west coast where wild cotton occurs, and it is especially gratifying
to report that results were negative, aha

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Paradichlorobengene as a funigant for sweetpotato weevils--Reporting on —
a survey to deternine the results of fumigation of seed sweetpotatoes with
paradichlorobenzene in storage houses, bins, and banks, as a means of conbat—
ing Cylas formicarius (F.), K. L. Cockerham, of the Sunsot, La., laboratory,
says that general conclusions indicate definitely that wherever the funiga-
tion with paradichlorobenzene was performed properly the results were satise
factory, but in instances where the recormended methods were not followed
results were unsatisfactory. It was found that most of the farmers did not
construct fumigatoria properly with particular reference to rendering then
air-tight, failed to use the proper dosage of the fumigant, or failed to make
the proper prefunigation preparations. j

Insecticide tests against pea weevil.--Laboratory tests against
Bruchus pisorny (L.) by T. A. Brindley and his associates of the Moscow,
Tdaho, laboratory, gave,the following indicative results: (1) Distinct dif-
ferences were shown to exist between the mortality obtained with dust mix-
tures containing 1.0, 0./5, and 0,50 percent rotenone, respectively, Much
less: difference was noted in the toxicity of dusts containing 1.0 percent
and 0.75 percent than between those containing 0.75 percent and 0.50 percent
of this ingredient. (2) A cube dust mixture with diatomaceous earth as a
carrier did not give as high a nortality as cuvoe with tale as a carfier.

(3) The addition of 2.0 percent peanut oil, 1.0 percent sodiun oleyl sul-
phate, and 0.5 percent water to cube in tale dic not increase its toxicity.
(4) A dust containing 0.005 percent sulphur nitride was nontoxic to the
weevils. (5) The addition of 0.225 percent pyrethrins to a cube dust in
talc, containing 0.50 percent rotenone, markedly increased the toxicity of
the dust. (6) Additional data were accumulated to indicate thot at least a
part of the toxic effect of dusts containing rotenone to the pea weevil is
due to its contact properties. hs .

Paris green-sulphur dust nixture controls flea beetles on sugar bects.==
H. B. Dorst, of the Logan, Utah, laboratory, reports that recent experiments
in the control of flea beetles attacking sugar beets in Utah indicated that
a paris green~sulphur dust mixture (7.5 - 92.5) was effective acainst these
pests. <A 94-percent control was observed 72 hours after application and a
6l<percent control was recorded after 3 days of internittent precipitation, —
Experiments in the control of the flea beetles with sprays indicated that a @
spray composed of 1 pound of sulphur and 7 pounds of paris green per 100 gale 7
lons of weter gave a 7l-percent control after the expiration of 4S hours,
The flea beetle population consisted principally of the hop flea beetle
(Psylliodes punctulata Melsh,). a

wala

Observations on pea weevil: migrations.--J. C, Chamberlin, of the Cor-
vallis, Oreg., laboratory, reports that in the course of studies on the mi~
grotion of the pea weevil in Oregon this spring, it was determined that a
light initial movement occurred during the period April 28-30 into sparsely
blooming falleplanted Canadian field peas. Another light flight was recorded
on May 5=7 and a relatively large flight occurred during the period of warm
weather from Mey 12 to 16. This flight was succeeded within a few days by
the main migration of the season, which started May 18, reached its peak on
the 19th and 20th, and ended on May 26. As based on trap records, the rela=
tive magnitude of the threo last flights was as follows: Mey 5=/7, 0.7 pere
cent; May 12~16, 10.4 percent; May 1826, 88.9 percent.

Insecticide tests promise control of striped cucumber beetle.--In pre-
liminary tests directed against Diabrotica vittata (aye excellent control
was obtained by N. F. Howard of the Columbus, Ohio, laboratory, with a dust
nixture containing 0.4 percent rotenone with tcle as a Ciluent., Applica-
tions of the undiluted fincoly ground root of the gourd Cucurbita fostidis-
sima H, B. K. supplied by R. 3. Campbell, of the Alhambra, Calif,, labora~
tory, were not as effective agninst the cucumszer bectle as the dust mixtures
containing derris, but showed some possibilities. The derris-dust nixture
was effective for several days and exhibited considerable protection from

D. vittata for 6 and 10 days after applic2tion, even though heavy rains oce
curred and the plants made rapid growth. Indications from these experiments
were that in commercial practice the derris-dust. mixture should be applied
every few days. Tests,with mixtures containing sulphur nitride-tale (25-75)
and sulphur nijitride-talce equal parts, indicated that this material is toxic
to the cucumber bectle. A nunber of dead beetles were found 24 hours after
the treatment. Although no comparable applications of Ccrris were ‘nade in
this experinent, it appeared on the basis of these tests that sulphur
nitride is not as effective as a derris-tale dust mixture containing 0.4
percent rotenone,

Paresitization of whiteflies on tomatoes in greenhouse.--C. A. Weigol,
of the Beltsville, Md., laboratory, reports that recent observations indi
cated a parasitization of 89.4 percent of the srecnhouse whitefly (Trialeu-
rodes vaporariorun (Westw.)) by the hymenopterous parasite Ené¢arsia formosa
Gahan on greenhouse-grown tomatoes. Although it appeared that the host in=
sect was held in complete control by this parasite, the latter was slow in
developing the needed balance of biological control, therefore the plants
were appreciably weakened by the attack of the whitefly. There are a nunber

“of accounts published in English literature on the control of 1, vaporariorun
by this parasite. i =

Beet leafhopper survives winter in Montano,--J,. 2. Douglass and F. H,
Herries, of the Twin Falls, Idaho, laboratory, report that a survey of the
Billings, Mont., district on May 2-3 resulted in finding 1): living adults of
the beet lenfhopper, indicating that during certain winters this insect is
able to survive in the area surveyed.

= 2D.

INSECTS AFFECTING MAN AND ANIMALS

Equine encephalomyelitis' cases appear.--in May a few scattered cases
of this disease in the Central States were reported, apparently its first
occurrence in the United States this season. Last year an epizootic of
the malady affected some 60,000 to 70,000 horses in the Middle West, South-
west, South, and West, with a death loss estimated at 46,000 animals. Mos-
quitoes are the only known vectors of the disease, although it seems a
probable that other insects,and ticks may be involved. 4

Tick paralysis of dogs.--During the past month several cases of
paralysis of dogs apparently caused by the American dog tick (Dermacentor
variabilig (Say)) have been reported to the Bureau from various parts of
the United States, This Division is much intcrested in obtaining as much
information as possible on the distribution of the disease and on the species
of ticks responsible for it in different sections of the country. The Wash-
ington office will be glad to have information on any cases that might come
to the attention of Bureau employees and to receive preserved specimens of
ticks collected from afflicted animals,

Insect-borne disease of turkeys indicated to be “a cespreed in South-
east.--A blood parasite, Leucocytozoon smithi Laveran and Lucet, has been
found by B. V. Travis to be present in a fairly large percentage of the
donestic turkeys of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. In cer-
tain sections of the country the parasite is carried by buffalo gnats, but
whether this is the insect vector in the Southeast has not yet been deter-
mined. Farmers report that the disease is responsible for killing eas high
as 50 percent of their young birds in some years, The disease also occurs
in wild turkeys, but the porcentage of affected birds has not been deter-
mined. Occurrence of the disease has been reported previously from South
Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota and is thought to occur in Virginia.

me FORSIGN PLANT QUARANTINES

Orchid diseases intercepted.-~Determinations, have been received fron
Miss E. K. Cash for a number of diseases of orchids intercepted at San Fran-—
Gisco from November 26, 1937, to May 6 of this ycar and one interception at
Brownsville, Tex., on April 24, 1938. The pathogens include Colletotrichum
macrosporum Sacc. on Cypripedium haynaldianum from the Philippines; C.
orchidearum All. on Cattleya labiata from Brazil, Cattleya sp. from Colombia,
Oncidiun ampliatun from Canal Zone, O. cavendishianum and O. splendidum from
Guatemala, Oncidiunm sp. from Colombia, Phalaenopsis anebilis ey P, aphrodits
(4), P. grandiflora and P. schilleriana (2) fron the Philippines, Stanhopsa
wardii fron Guatemala, ‘and an undetermined orchid from Mexico; Colletotrichum
sp. on Cymbidiun lowianun fron Siam; Conisthyrium sp. on Dendrobium nobile
cuttings from Japen; Dendrodochium cattleyae All. on Cattleya sp. from Colome-
bia; Cloeosporium affine Sacc. on Pheleenopsis anabilis (ty, P. grandiflora,
P, schilleriana 2), anc. Vanda sanderiana from the Philippines, on Saccola-
bium giganteun illustre and Vanda coerulea from Siam, ond on Schonburgkia a
leuderannii from Canal Zone; G. bidgoodii Cke, on Odontoglossum harryanun
from Colombia; G. cattleyae Sacc, & D. Sacc. on Cattleya sp. from Colombia;

=
= i

See

G. cinctum B. & C. on Cymbidium lowii fron Sian, Dendrobiun taurinun from
tho Philippines, and apidendrin stanfordianum from Canal Zone} G dendrobii
Maubl. on Dendrobium nobile cuttings from Japan; G. oncidii Oud. on On-
cidiua bicallosun from Buehone les QO. crispun fron Brazil, 0. Leucochilun
and Oncidiun sp. fron, Guatenala Ge. orchidearun on Onetdtan flexuosum fron
Brazil; Gloeosporium sp. on Oynbidiun eburneun eburneum fron India, ©. lowii fron

Siam, and Oncidiun sp. from Mexico; Macrophona oncidii P. Henn, on Oncidiun

anpliatum from Canal Zone, 0. poneapes fron Brazil, Phalaenopsis schilleri-
ana from the Philippines, and Schomburgkia leudemannii from Canal Zono; M.
orchidicola (Speg.) Sacc. & Syd. on Stanhopea wardti from Guatemala; Ophio-
bolus sp. (no specics:of the genus reported on orchids) on Oncidiun ‘caven-
dishianun from Guatemala; Pestalozzia sp. (not any of the spp. described on
orchids) on Onci diun bicallosuy and Stanhopea wardii fron Guatenala; Pho-
mopsis sp. on Stanhopea wardii {2) from CGuatenala; Phyllosticta sp. (eo,
laeliae Keissl. wt Ww. with ‘sneall spores) on Oncidiun ornithorhynchun fron Guate-
Mala; Phyllosticta sp. (unlike any species reported on orchids) on Laelia
Sp. (Le albida 7?) from Mexico; Phyllosticta sp. on Phalaenopsis anabilis
from the “Philippines and on Stanhopea wardii from Guatenala; Physelospora
orchidearun P, Henn, on Eee eburneun f fron India, C. lowienun from
Sian, Oncidiun_ cavendis wee fron Guatena ala, Oncidivm sp. fron i Mexico,

Phalaenopsi sis iS amavilis, aphrodite, and P, a a from the Philip-
pines}; Vernicularia SP ae geayana Del. 7) on Cyoidiun virens swensis

eee me erent

fron Japan; and VYolutella - albi@o=pila Boud, on Phalaenopsis §] spe from the
Philippines.

Scolytid in rooted cutting of-fig.--Two living adults of Hypoborus
ficus Er, were intercepted at New York on January 19 in a rooted cutting
of fig in passenger's baggage fron Italy. M. W. Blackman reports as fole
lows on this scolytid: "Hypoborus ficus Er. is largely confined to the
Mediterranean region in southern “Europe, northern Africa, and Asia Minor,
It is of some econonic importance, but the degree of importance is judged
differently by different writers. It probably is corparable econonically
to Scolytus -ruevulosus Ratze, which usually confines its attacks to nori-
bund or decadent bark. Decadent bark of fig is the favorite breading place
of H. ficus. It is not knowm to be established in this country, although
it would not be surprising if it has become established through imported
fig planting stock."

ee interceptions of interest.--A living larva of the fruit-

fly Anastr=} ha Rempinprae: optans Sein was intercepted at Baltimore, Md., on
Januery 24 in a mango in ship’s quarters fron Haiti. Three living larvae
of the Mediterranean fruitfly (Ceratitis capitata Wd.) were intercepted at
New York on October 29, 1937, in a pomearanate in unaccompanied baggage
fron Greece. Four living larvae of the turnip gall weevil (Ceutorhyncims
pleurostigna Marsh.) arrived at Philadelphia on January 22 in turnips in
ship's stores frou Belgiun. Living specinens of the nirid Mertila malayen-

Li rears ee Pro aati.
sis Dist. wero taken at Sah Francisco on March 24 on an orchid (Henzathera
storici) in the : rail fron the Philippines, A larva of the Buropeen corn
borer (Pyrausta x nubilalis Ibn.) was found at Chicago, I11., on April 7 in
a corncob in the nail from Yugoslavia, Five living adults of Bruchus
tristis Boh. were intercepted at Boston on March 1 in dricd peas in the

Ol.

mail from Italy. A living specimen of Lygaeus pulchellus F, was found at,
Nogales, Ariaz., on January 1 on a bell pepper in cargo from Mexico. Living
workers of the ant Iridomyrmex melleus Whlr. arrived at Honolulu, Hawaii,

on September 8, 1937, on orchids in express from France. Three living
adults of the colcopteron Discoloma vestitum Pasc. were taken at New Orleans
on November 18, 1937, under the bark of a primavera (Tabebuia donnell=
smithii) log in cargo from Mexico. A living specimen of the cicadellid
Graphocephala rufimargo Walk. was intercepted at Brownsville, Tex., on Decen=—
ber 6, 1937, in a Shasta daisy (Chr santhenun mnaxinun) in baggage fron Mexico.
The mealyous Psoudococeus theaecola (Green) was intercepted at Washington,

D. C., on January 21 on rhizomes of Hedychium gardenerianum in the mail fron
India, i i

Pathological interceptions of intcrest.--Aphelenchoides bicaudatus
Imanura and iUexatylus n. sp. were intercopted on ginger ser root from China on
April 16 at Boston; Bacterium citri (Iasse) Doidge on lenon fron Singapore
at Boston on May 13; Colletotrichun graminiccolum (Ces.) Wils. on grass from
Ethiopia on May 9 at New York; Cronartiun sp., probably C. quercuun (Berk..)
Miy., on Pinus densiflora fron Ja apan on December 22, 1937, at Boston;

Fabraea maculata Atk., first intercoption, on quince fruit from South Afri-
ca; Fusicladiun depressun (B. & Br.) Sacc., with spores shorter than de-
scription calls for, on fennel seed from India on December 9, 1937, at New
York; Helicosporium sp,, first interception of genus, on Cedrus deodara
seed fron Italy on January 4 at New York; Microdiplodia wi wistariae Grove on.
wisteria from Japan at Seattle on Deceriber Bsa Ue and at San Francisco

on March 25; Ovularia obliqua (Cooke ) Oud., first interception, on Rumex
Spe) Lror Mexico on Novenver 22, 1937, at San Ysidro; Periderniun sp. . on
Pinus h halepensis needles fron Italy on May 27 at New York; Pestalozzia bi-
ejlor B. & E., first interception, on February 15 at New York on willow
ties from Argentina; Pestalogzia sp., no species described on the host
genus, on Linoniun sp. from South Africa on December 18, 1937, at New York;
Phona sp. on Eugenia holtzii seed from Australia on May 20 at New York; a,
disease of rose stems fron Yugoslavia tentatively determined as Phomopsis
incarcerata v. Hoeh. on April 19 at New York; P. magnoliicola (Syd. ipiledar
first interception, cn magnolia from Japan on March 25 at San Francisco; ~
Phyllosticta sp., no species reported on host, on Schizocodon nacrophyllun
from Japan on March 23 at Ssn Francisco; Puccinia pimpincllae (Ste) Mart.,
first interception, on anise from Mexico on January 22 at Brownsville; P.
urbaniana P, enn. on Valerianodes jamaicense from Puerto Rico on May 26
at New York; Sclerotiun sp. on Lycoris sp. from Japan on April 6 at San
Francisco; Scleretium sp., unlike anything reported on host, on Cariellia
japonica fron mn Japan on May 11 at San Francisco; Sclerotiun sp. on pyre-
thrumn seeds from England on April 14 at Philadelphia; Septoria drumnondi
HE, & HE, on Phlox drwimondi from Bermuda on May 11 at New York; Sphacelona
sp. on lenon fron South Africa on May 3 at New York; Trenetosphaeria cac-
torum Harle, first interception of genus, on Hchinocactus macrodiscus fron
Mexico on A pril 29 at San Francisco; Uredo sp., no rust reported for host
genus, on Maxillaria sp, from Venezuela on March 29 at San Francisco; Uro- ~
ayCes commelinae (Spez .) Cooke, first intercoption, on Tradescantia fluninen
sis from Mexico on April 23 at Brownsville, the host not lis sted under this
rust in Arthur's nanuals; a rust, perhaps the aecial stage of ‘Uronyces limoni
(DB): Lev., on statice leave Ss fron South Africa on December 18, 1937, a at New

-25-

York; Ustilago sp., unlike any smut reported on seeds of host genus, on
seeds of Phalaris canariensis from Morocco on Fobruary 10 at Philadelphia,

DOMESTIC PLANT QUARANTINES

Grasshopper poisoning,—-Baiting operations are under way in Arizona,
Arkansas, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, North
Dakota, Oklahona, South Dakota, Texas, anc Wisconsin. Good results have
been reported fron baiting even though the weather conditions are not
favorable. Materials have been shipped and mixing stations established in
Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, ~
Washington, and Wyoming. The activities are conducted jointly by Fedoral,
State, county, and community agencies. Grower cooperation is good. The
wide publicity which has been given the progran in a practical and compre-
hensive manner by the various States, countics, and county agents has
strengthened the activities of the canpaigm. Mixing stations for the areas
in Colorado where the insects are migrating are operating nearly 24 hours

a day. Iowa State workers are estadlishing some large central mixing plants

which may represent a progressive step in the economic handling of bait

materials. In New Mexico it is estimated that 300 mechanical bait spreaders

will be in use to meet the heavy infestations in that State. Cool weather
and showers have delayed the hatching of grasshopper eggs in several areas
in northern affected States. This prolonged period of hatching has made it
necessary to bait several tines to obtain the utmost efficiency in baiting
operations, Additional bait materials will be required in many areas for
protection of crops, according to recent surveys. The additional super-
visors employed in the different States are advising county and State
leaders on the status of grasshoppers locally and on tinely control pro-
cedures. From 30 to more than 65 percent of the bait naterials needed, as
estimated by the survey during the fall of 1947, have been delivered to
counties in the infested States.

Grasshopper development spasnodic.--In the Texas Panhandle the hatch
was completed in May and nymphs numbered up to 2,000 per square yard in
bands nigrating at the rate of 100 to 150 yards daily. This area is of
first concern in Texas, and general poisoning was under way by the niddle
of May. By the latter part of the month about 300 mechanical spreaders
were in operation. Jecause of prolonged hatching in the Panhandle area,
all instars, including adults, are present. ‘The first adult Dissosteira
longipennis Thos. was found in Childress County, Tex., on May 31, the
earliest recorded adult of this species in the Southwest. Extending fron
Texas northward, the period of hatching has been prolonged. By the end
of May, fourth and fifth instars of two very common species were present
in North Dakota and hatching was only 25 percent complete in the contral
counties. Severe weather in eastern Wyoning retuced the hopper popwlation
from 3 to 25 percent, with a reduction of 60 percent in one locality.
Sone arsas showed destruction of egg pods by predators and parasites but
the part played by these natural enemies has not reduced the necd for
baiting.

IES
Mormon Cricket Control

Surveys to determine the extent of cricket damage, including obser-—
vations on range lands, were made in May in the Northwestern States, With
the aid of the Forest Service, several plots were laid out to determine
the various range plants which are hosts of the cricket. Field men
throughout the infested States are reporting. the varicus species of plants
on which the crickets are found to feed and are making observations as to
birds and small animals that feed on the crickets. Claude Wakeland, on a
recent field survey of conditions and status of progress of control in the
infested region, reported on work in various Sta tes. as. follows «

}
’ ‘

Idaho.--Seven counties 1 anion control aperntiona oe eee way were
visited and the observations show: that crops are being protected, Alfalfa
and wheat fields have been entirely protected by dusting the advancing
crickets nearing cultivated areas, killing countless numbers and turning
the bands back, The oilung of ditches has given very satisfactory results
and is done at slight cost. Any crickets which reach irrigation lands be-
yond the oil barriers are readily cleaned out with hand dust guns. Farners
are enthusiastic over the results. ‘The control of crickets in a wheatfield
in Washington County by the use of a power duster has interested farmers

in the purchase of power machines to be used locally. Many crops adjacent
to range lands have been entirely protected by hand dusting. It was also
observed that there are heavy infestations in areas not dusted in 1937 and
light. infestations in areas where dusting was done last year. The cricket
population in one county appears to be less than one-fourth that of 1936,
Destruction of seeds of many species of ranze grass is evident in all areas
where crickets occur in numbers,

Aecndas tony infestations are reported from two counties. Dusting
operations are under way with 127 men working in 15 crews, inclucing ©. ©. Om
menand Indian labor. Good results are evident where weather conditions
were suitable for carrying on the work.

Montana,--Working prograns in a number of counties were put into ef-
fect end a survey made of conditions in nine counties, Hand and power
dusting was in operation in three counties by the nso week of May. <A
metal sheet barrier, approxinately & miles long, is being erected in Yellow
stone, Carbon, and Big Horn Counties. Streans and rivers in the area are
being oiled. <A great deal of interest is being shown in the campaign and
equipnent is in readiness for further operations as soon as weather con-
Gitions are suitable for effective results. The Forest Service is concuct-
ing control operations, furnishing relief labor from the C. C. ©. camps to
protect crop lands in the vicinity of the national forests. Field workers
in Montana areas observed that crows were gorging themselves on Mornon
crickets.

Eee he aye ages Past

Oregon,.--Although ranse lands adjacent to wheatfields in Umatilla
County were found infested, the crickets were remaining in the stands of
dense succulent grass the first of June, Dusting will be done in the event

Sey)

the crickets bunch or the crops are threatened. A similar condition was
found in Baker County. The Forest Service is active in range control work
in Morrow County for the benefit of crop lands, and the Indian Service is
carryinc on control work on a reservation in Wasco County. Work prograns
have been completed for all infested counties in Oregon. Snowstorms de-
layed operations in Wallowa County in May.

South Dakota.--Shipments of dust and dust guns have gone forward, nix-.
ing operations started, and arrangements made to start dusting with volun-
teer labor on May 25. County agents and the Indian Service are cooperating.

Utah.--Practically no nigration took place until the third week in

May. Dusting was then begun in three counties, the Forest Service contribut-

ing to the work. Excellent kills were reported. A count 48 hours after
dusting near grainfields showed a 92-percent kill and the remaining crickets
so affected that the kill will approach 100 percent. The stomachs of
lizards collected were found to contain Mormon crickets. Spiders were ob-
served feeding on fourth instars and nymphs, and seven kinds of birds, in-
cluding jays, larks, and robins, were seen feeding on the crickets.
Washington.--Field reports from Pasco mention an extensive band of
crickets "with a several-nile front" entering a trench line on May 4, neces-
sitating an increase in the number of trench pits and the dusting of a
snall area. The trench held the nigration satisfactorily. It is believed
the band traveled 4 to 5 niles a weck. Crickets were reported to be very
mumerous in certain sections of Franklin County, along the Columbia River.
Growers erected 6-inch metal-topped barriers in trench lines and halted
the invasion of their strawberry beds, while the crews poisoned the
crickets congregating against the barriers. No feeding was observed on
the strawberries. Northward novement of cricket bands necessitated ex-
tensive power- and hand-dusting operations and the construction of new
trenches. Southbound bands carried along anc across an irrigation canal
were dusted at points of entry and screened at crossings. Large flocks
of seagulls on a Columbia River island were observed to feed daily on the
crickets.

Wyoning.--Four counties in Wyoming were recently visited anc, al-
though weather conditions thus far have been unfavorable for seneral dust-
ing operations, the counties are buying power dusters and completing
barriers. Sheridan County has purchasec 30 such custers and is ready to
purchase 20 more if the need arises. About 4,000 acres of crop lands in
the county are veing protected by 4 miles of oiled canal. ‘The surface of
the canal was found entirely covered with dead crickets which had started
to nigrate fron range land toward the crops. Other areas in the county
were dusted to protect young beets and grain,

White-fringed beetle control activities.—-Control operations in the
Florala, Ala., area, suck as clean cultural practices on over 1,600 acres
of land and removal of host vegetation along highways and fence rows, have
been practically completed, well in advance of the period of peak emergence
of the beetle. Anong the neasures employed are the use of fuel oil to keep

ee

~28—

vegetation down on areas from which it has been removed and the use of
salt along fence rows and in waste areas near buildings. where the use of
oil might. constitute a fire hazarc. Six thousand gallons of oil and two
carloads of salt have been received for this purpose. Fifty turnplows are
being distributed at various strategic points in readiness for quick re-
pair of citches which may be damaged by rains.

White-fringed beetle survey.--Arrangenents are now under way for a
county—by-county survey to determine possible spread cf the beetle in Ala-
bana, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, in cooperation with
the States. A survey on a somewhat less intensive scale is being planned
for Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, and other Southern §tatés
in which the beetle is not known to exist. The survey in the latter group
of State will cover railroac and other rights-of-way, as well as processing
and manufacturing plants, and-other places to which host naterials have
been shipped fron infested States, Arrangements are also being mace to ob-
tain the cooperation of such organizations as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and
Future Farmers of America, and of vocational agricultural students, in }
scouting for the beetle in the known infested States.

oe er ce eee es =

Baton Rouge, oe an sane aWewine eran to various types of a aeee
attracted considerable attention of entomologists, as well as several visi-
tors to the Capitol. At the request of the Louisiana State entomologist,
the exhibit was left at the building for several days in order that it
might be available for observation by State senators and representatives
and others interested,

Peach mosaic found in two more counties.--Peach mosaic has been re-
ported from Woods County, Okla., by:'a State officer, and the disease was
also found in Utoh County, Utah, each finding representing a new locality
of infection, the latter within a large peach-growing area, The cooperative
inspection of the greater percentage of the peach trees throughout the t
State is approaching completion, including 180,000 trees in Utah County. o

Peach mosaic on the increase in Colorado.--A survey in the Palisade
and Vineland districts of Mesa County, Conon has been completed and more
diseased trees were found than in 1937. Some orchards in the heavily in-
fected areas have been inspected as many as four times and a greater number
of mosaic trees was found on the second inspection than the first. In
practically all instances there was a reduction on the third and fourth in-.
spections. The first inspection was earlier, however, than in 1937 and
might be considered a prescouting as compared with last year's first survey.
It is believed that trees founec on the second survey had not shown symptoms
on the first survey since mosaic symptons develop very rapidly and ample
time had clapsed between the first’and second surveys for symptoms to appear.
The cold weather conditions which have prevailed in the present season have
apparently been very favorable to the development of the disease. , Peach
growers have been kept fully advised of conditions and are in full accord
with the program. Mesa County has eee a tractor to assist relief la-

borers in the removal of diseased trees. Renoval work has-been, completed m
the two nore heavily infected areas.

Bee

Poach nosaic reduced in California.—-Properties in the infected areas
where trees were removed at the time of inspection in 1937 are showing a
reduction in infection this year of 25 to 35 percent, with a greater reduc-
tion in some orchards. On properties where the diseased trees were not re-=
moved at the time of inspection in 1937 there is a decided increase in the
disease,

Inspection for peach diseases,.-—-With a force of 173 men, including
Federal and State inspectors, and 45 relief employees in California and
Colorado trained for the work, inspection for the phony peach and peach
mosaic diseases was carried on in May in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Cali-

fornia, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Tons...

nessee, Texas, and Utah, Tree-removal work is under way in 11 States.

Sweetpotato weevil control activities.--During the month (May) 11

Federal and 15 State inspectors continued activities in Alabana, Georgia,
Mississippi, and Texas. Of the 11,200 properties inspected in these 4
States since the work was begun last July, over 500, or 4.5 percent, have
been found infested. Inspections have also been made in the heavily in-
fested areas of Louisiana, Activities for the month consisted principally
of inspecting old infested fields, and those within a radius of 1/2 niile
of known infestations, and removing any remaining sweetnotato growth, The
recent examination of Texas fields showed few volunteer plants after re—-
peated coverage during the wintor and no additional infestations of sweet-
potato weevils, indicating that any adult weevils remaining after harvest
have been starved out. Systematic inspection of wild host plants in 2
Texas counties resulted in finding no weevils. Similar checking of volun-
teers was carried out in 6 counties in Mississippi, 2 in Alabana, and 3 in
Georgia. Trapping is proving an excellent means of determining whether a
field has been well cleaned. During the nonth 5,429 adult weevils were
trapped on 244 properties. The continued informational and control work
in Thomas County, Ga., is showing excellent results.

Transit-inspection activities.--Inspection conducted in April at as
railway centers resulted in finding 536 quarantine violations en route to
42 States, Canada, and Alaska, There were approximately 12 percent more
violations than were found in April 1937.

Interceptions of interest.--A recent interception at Pittsburgh is
mentioned as illustrating thoroughness of transit inspection: A package
consigned to a tool company in Detroit had the appearance and weight of
metals but as it dic not have a metallic sound when shaken, it was opened
and found to contain uncertified strawberry plants with soil from the
Japanese beetle area. Inspectors in the Boston area report the intercep-
tion of several violations in shipments bearing such labels as "Cut flowers,"
"Greenhouse-grown," or "Herbaceous plants-No inspection required.” -On ine
spection, several such packages were found to contain cuttings of evergreen
or pussy willow from the gypsy moth area, or plants in soil from the Japanese
beetle area, Shipments bearing Japanese beetle "A" certificates-shipped by
classified dealers were found lacking as to gypsy moth certificates. One
hundred and eighty packages of perennials fron a shipper in the Japanese

-30-

beetle area were intereepted by the transit inspector at tho Hoboken, N. J.,
mail terminal on May 26 for lack of beetle certificates. The shipments
bore the return address of a Chicago mail-order house but were postmarked
at a point in New Jersey and the entire lot of eight mail sacks was turned
back to the office of mailing. Some 500 to 1,000 dozens of plants were in-
volved. Investigation on the part of the Japanese beetle field office
showed the contents had been certified and the certificates onitted,

Citrus canker eradication.--Hfforts have. been concentrated during the
last 2 months on the elinination fron former infected properties of every
seedling that nay have originated on properties on which canker had formerly
been found, All properties.-that have been found infected with citrus canker
in the Texas noncommercial area since 1934 have been re-inspected during the
last 60 days and the infected spots burned with pear burners. The second
round of inspection on those properties has now begun. No canker was found
in May. Inspections were made with a force of nine Federal and State in-
spectors in the counties of Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, Jeffermn, and Mata-
gordo. . All areas: within a nile of formerly infected properties were "walked
out" in formation by the eradication crews to find and destroy all escaped
host trees. In May 57 relief laborers destroyed 184,000 citrus trees on 200
properties. inch .

Terminal inspection activities increased.--The State of Arkansas has
arranged for terminal inspection of sweetpotatoes and sweetpotato plants at

Little Rock for the enforcenent of its sweetpotato weevil quarantine. Under
this arrangement provision is made for postmasters to refuse delivery or
nailing of such consignments from any part of the continental United States
unless accompanied by a-State certificate. . Provision has been made by the
State of California for the terminal inspection of plants and plant products
at 14 additional points in that State..

Blister-rust regulations revised.—-The white-pine blister rust quarari=

tine regulations were revised on June 1, effective July 1. The present
requirements are designed to protect two pine-growing regions in which the
blister rust has not been found, one comprising the Southeastern States of
Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee and the
other region the Southwestern States of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexi-
co, Utah, Wyoming, and part of California. Five-leafed pines are pro-~
hibited movenent into these States (except between and anong then) and
Ribes shipments thereto are required to be dipped or dornant and defoliated.
Control work in other regions is protected through the control-area pernit
requirenent in shipping currant and gooseberry plants into 23 States. The
former embargo on European black currant shipments is continued.

CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS ©

‘Photographic technique to determine knock-down effect of insecti-
cides.——Wf. N, Sullivan, E. R. McGovran, anc G L. Phillips, of the Belts-

ville, Md., laboratory, report the development of a photographic technique
to determine knock-down effect of insecticides, as well as the mortality of
the ins@cts when tested on the Campbell netal turntable. By this method flies

oS

Bes

in screen-covered Petri dishes, 145 nm in diameter and 52 mm deep, are
placed in the caze holders under the spray chambers, the cylinders are
filled with a spray of sufficient concontration, and the flies oxposed to
the falling mist. rtificial light entering the cylinder from above is
diffusea by the spray droplets so that it forms a good background for the
taking of silhouette pictures of the paralyzed flies at various tine in-
tervals curing the test by means of a camera focused on the bottom of the
dish. All flies except those on the bottom of the Petri dish are out of
the narrow range of the sharp focus used (f.4.5) and any ovement of the
flies on the bottom of the dish causes.a blurred image on the negative (1-
second exposure period), Approxinately 15 minutes is required for spraying
and photographing a.series of five tests. This technique could be applied
to tests using a single chamber constructed along the same lines.

Pyrethrin I_and pyrethrin II differ in knock-down effect and kill.--
Messrs. Sullivan, McGovran, and Phillips and H. L. Haller, of the Division

of Insecticide Investigations, report that tests of the knock-down and the
subsequent mortality of houseflics by fly sprays high in pyrethrins I and

II showed that under the conditions of the tests pyrethrin I caused a higher
mortality than did pyrethrin II, although the latter was much superior in
its knock-down effect. For the purposes of these tests the photcgraphic
nethod described above was utilized.

INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS

Improved methods for determination of arsenic.--The Gutzeit method
for arsenic, which is used as an official method by the Association of Of-
ficial Agricultural Chenists, has an inherent error of 5 to 10 percent. In
an effort to find nore accurate nethods three procedures were studied dur-
ing 1937 by C. C. Cassil, referee on arsenic for the Association of Official
Agricultural Chemists. <A report of Mr. fassil's work was made at the Noyen-
ber 1937 meeting of this Association anc this report has just been published
in the Journal of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (vol,
21, no. 2, pp. 198-203, May 1933).

Deternination of snall quantities of antimony in tartar enetic spray
residues.-——Tartar emetic nixed with a dilute solution of sucar or nolasses
has been used as a spray to control fruitflies attacking citrus trees. A
nethod of deternining mtinony residues has been published by J, Davidson
and G. N. Pulley, of the Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, and C. C. Cassil,

of the Division of Insecticide Investigations (Jour. Assoc. Off. Agr.
Chemists vol, 21, no. 2, pp. 314-318, May 1938). Tie antinony is @eternined
‘dy a procedure sinilar to that used in the Gutzeit method for arsenic.

Derris residues on cabbage,.--A study has just been completed concern-
ing the anount of derris left on cabbages at the tine of harvesting. Ge iG.
Cassil went to the truck-crop experinent station at Charleston, S. C., and
analyzed cabbages, both U. S. No. 1 anc U. S. No. 1 Green, that had been
treated with five applicetions of a derris-plus-clay nixture containing 1 per-
cent rotenone, the applications having been made at 7-day intervals. It was
found that, whereas 1 such dusting applied about 23 parts per nillion, the
series of 5 dustings resulted in an accumulation of only 36 parts per nillion,

Sel

a

An opportune shower gave the chance to demonstrate that nearly 90 percent
of the residue was removed by 0.6 inch of rain, These analyses were nade’
by means of a colorimetric test for rotenone, developed in this Division
and described briefly in a previous issue, The results have been prepared
for publication.

Review of organic insecticides.--F. B. LaForge and L. N. Markwood con-
tributed.a chapter on organic insecticides to the Annual Review of Bio-
chenistry (vol. 7), which covers progress in that field for the year 1937.
The following insecticides are discussed: Compounds of the rotenone group,

the pyrethrins, quassin, and nicotine and related compounds.

Fine phenothiazine more toxic than coarse.-~A cooperative project be-=
tween the Division of Insecticide Investigations and the Division of Fruit
Insect Investigations on the study of the variation of toxicity to codling
noth larvae with particle size of different insecticides has revealed some
interesting results in the case of phenothiazine. <A commercial sample was.
separated by L. D. Goodhue in a Federal air classifier, The coarse (about ~
50-70 microns in dianeter) and a fine fraction (below 10 microns) were sub-
nitted to EB. H. Siegler for tests against codling noth larva. Using 123.
plugs, the coarse fraction allowed 63 percent entries and 2 percent stings.
The fine fraction on 141 plugs allowed only 10 percent entries and 2 per-
cent stings. The load deposited on the plugs and the chemical composition
was found to be almost identical, according to the analyses by C. C. Cassil.
Further evidence of the identical chemical composition of the coarse and
fine samples was obtained when cach was dissolved in alcohol, re=-precipitated
and tested for toxicity in the sane way. Treated in this way, the toxicolog-
ical results were practically the same for both samples.

BEZ CULTURE

‘Field laboratory established in North Central States.--In April the
new laboratory of the Division at Madison, Wis., was opened. It will be

known as the North Central States Bee Culture Field Laboratory, and its
immediate problems have to do largely with the studies on supersedure and
package bees. In connection with the opening of this laborstory, the fol-
lowing statenent,was prepared for publication in the various bee journals

of the country: The Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine has recently
concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Wisconsin Agricultural
Experinent Station which will provide facilities at Madison for work on bee
culture, particularly those phases of the work in the North Central States
concerned with problens on supersedure and package bees. In addition to
studies on these special provlems, the Bureau will cooperate with the Wis-
consin Agricultural Experinent Station in the study of beekeeping problems
peculiar to the State and will also coopemte with the University in planning
various work on beekeeping, including teaching. Under this arrangenent the
station will provide facilities so that the Bureau can make use of the
package bees and queens, hives, and.other apiary equipment offered through
the agencies of the American Honey Producers! League. The‘ American Honey
Producers! League, through a special committee of which W. 3. Anderson, State
Entomologist, Baton Rouge, La., is chairman, offered te obtain without cost
to the Government up to 500 colonies of package bees and necessary apiary

PEO” ge ee ee ee Pe

_

ee ee Fle Cage

-33-

equipment to be used in connection with investigations on beekeeping
problems, particularly those related to package bees and queens." (GA tlic
Farrar, of the Intermountain States Bee Culture Laboratory at Laramie,
Wyo., has been transferred to Madison to be in charge of the work of the
Bureau at this new laboratory. He will also be responsible for carrying
out the cooperative arrangements with the Wisconsin Agricultural Experi-
ment Station and the College of Agriculture of the University of Wisconsin,

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS

Identification work on white-fringed beetle conducted at Gulfport,
Miss.--In order to expedite identification reports in connection with the
extensive survey to determine the distribution of the white-fringed beetle
in the Southern States, R. E. Blackwelder has been appointed to handle this
phase of the identification work and has been stationed at Gulfport, Miss.
J. &. Roberts, of the Department of Entomology at the University of Louisi-
ana, is associated with Mr. Blackwelder in this undertaking.

New United States record for a species of Noctuidae.--In material sub-
mitted for determination by Rollin He “Baker, of College Station, Tex., was
one specimen from Brewster County, Tex., determined by J. F. Gates Clarke
as Tarachidia heonix Dyar, a species of Noctuidae. This is. the first speci-
men of this species recorded from the United States. In addition to the
above specimen, there are in the National Museum the type and two other

specimens, all from Mexico.

Identity established for lepidopterous larva in shipments from
Mexico.—--A moth reared at Laredo, Tex., from larvae in green string beans

from Mexico has been determined oy Carl leinrich as Epinotia opposita Hein-
rich (family Olethreutidae). This species was described from moths reared
from olfalfa and cowpeas at Lima, Peru. Specimens have also been received
from Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Argentina, those from the last-named coun-
try reared from Vicia faba, The species is evidently of considerable
economic importance for the larvae have been frequently intercepted in ship-
ments of green beans and peppers from Mexico. Hitherto these larvae had

not been associated with adults and were determined merely as a species of
Olethreutidae. The species is not known to occur in the United States,

Notes on Ants

Ants determined by M. 2. Smith as Pheidole morrisi Forel were found
by A. L. Brody, of the Division of Insects Affecting Man and Animals, at-
tacking and killing larvae of the secondary screworn fly (Cochlionyia macel—
laria (F.)) at Valdosta, Ga. ara ea <a

A, C. Burrill, Curator of the Missouri Resources Museun, submitted for
doternination specinens of the legionary ant (Eciton (Acanatus) schmitti
Emery), found clustering on the wall of a basement at Cedar ( Gitty yal Mo. Accord-
ing to Burrill, "there was a knot of arts on the side of the basement wall
as big as your hat." This species is known to be predatory on termites and
Other ants.

— 34

On June 4, M. R. Smith captured a braconid wasp which was attempt-

ing to oviposit in the gaster of an ant, Formica fusca var. subsericea Say,

on a nest at Washington, D. C. The parasite was determined by C. F. W.
Maesebeck as Blasmosoma pergandei (Ashn.). Species of this genus are
known to attack ants, but are rarely encountered.

J. C. Bridwell found the small ptiliid beetle Limulodes paradoms
Matthews in the nest of an ant, Lasius (Acanthomyops) interjectus Mayr,
at Vienna, Va. This appears to be a new specific host record for this
myrmecophilous beetle.

Mealybug intercepted on cipollini bulbs now described.--Since 1932
there have been received from time to time from the New York and Phila-
delphia port-inspection groups of the Division of Foreign Flant Quaran-
tines, specimens of a curious mealybug collected on bulbs of cipollini
(Muscari comcosum), coming into this country from Morocco. It is now pos-
sible to provide these insects with a name since Dr. A. Balachowsky, in
France, has described the form as Bouhelia maroccana, new genus and new
species. The insect is so distinctive that it could be immediately
recognized from the Balachowsky description,

arenas 6)(0) Osa reaees

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| te | AUG1 8 1938 x
| f UN rz) SA. eS 8, Department of Agriculture

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUETURE

“~y -

BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

VOLUME VY

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER
FOR JUNE 1938

ee ee

R. A, VICKERY

The Bureau has received notice of the death of R. A. Vickery, asso-
ciate entomologist in the Division of Pink Bollworm Control, at San An-
tonio, Tex., on July 13. Mr. Vickery was born in Minnesota on March 15,
1883. He received his A. B. degree from the University of Minnesota in
1906 and his M. A. degree the following year. His service in the Depart-
ment of Agriculture began with his appointment as agent and expert in
1908. His field was economic entomology, specializing in the study of
cereal and forage=plant insects. His published works include reports on
studies of armyworm parasites, wingless May beetles, and Aphiidae. His
outstanding work was "A species list of Aphiidae of the world and their
recorded food plants," published in 1918 as joint author with H. F.
Wilson.

Mr. Vickery was a member of Sigma Xi, the American Association for
the Advancement of Science, the Entomological Society of America, the
American Association of Economic Entomologists, and the Washington Ento-
Mological Society.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGISTS
CONSIDERS FORMATION OF TEACHING SECTION

The American Association of Economic Entomologists has appointed a
special committee to consider the advisability of forming a section on
teaching. The committee welcomes the support of any member of the Bureau
of Entomology and Plant Quarantine who feels that this is a worthy under-
taking. The Bureau is greatly interested in the teaching of entomology,
€specially as it offers the largest field for employment of young ento-
Mologists. Members of the Bureau who wish to express their views on this
subject may communicate with Prof. Paul Knight, of the University of Mary-
land, College Park, Md., a member of tho committee.

26)

FRUIT INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

More on dichlorethyl ether for peach borer control.--In cooperation
with the Illinois State Natural History Survey, experiments with dichlor-

ethyl ether (30 cc per gal. of water), applied around cavh tree early in the
spring for the control of the peach borer, were conducted in southern
Illinois, and Oliver I. Snapp, in charge of this work, has submitted the fol-
lowing table, summarizing the results obtained on April 11-13 from this ma-
terial applied on March 16, 17, and 19.

Dosage of dichlorethyl:Age of: Results
ether ;_trees:Total borers:Borers dead3Tree injury
:Years 3 Nuriber : Percent :

1 pint----~----------- SOMES 29 Senos 3 None
3/4 pint-------------- 5 alloy e 16 SD eSiied : Do.
1 pint----------~----- G7 240) 8 Bu SL OOO 3 Do.
3/4 pint-------------- Sus LO! as 30 ta 1OOLO : Do,
3/4. pint------~------- Sa aeithanes 97 ee OleS : Do.
1/2 pint~------------- Sem Meee 112 A) 2a : Do.
1/2 pint-----------—- Sai) eames 26 : 80.8 : Do.
1/4 pint---------___-- So Roa 15 a 1S 6'7/ : Do.
1/2 pint------~------- Cee) ES 9 : 88.9 : Do.
1/4 pint-------------- Se sinie 9 Banh ERISC) : Do.

The soil around the trees received no preparation whatever before the
dichlorethyl ether was applied, and the application of that material was
made by pouring the dose fron a half-pint tin cup around the base of the
tree, which wetted the soil immediately surrounding the tree, and the lower
part of the trunk received some of the liquid during treatment. The treated
surface was covered with a little soil. Although not quite so effective as
ethylene dichloride emulsion, dichlorethyl ether, a water-soluble material,
gave very good control of the peach borer in most of these early spring ex-
perinents at a time when paradichlorobenzene crystals gave practically no
control, because the soil temperatures were too low for that material to be
SASOIGOR The results confirm those of previous experiments in that this
naterial is more effective against the peach borer and safer for use around
peach trees during cool or cold weather,

Oviposition by grape berry noth in the laboratory.--Investigators have
for years experienced difficulty in inducing Polychrosis viteana (Clen.) to

lay eggs under laboratory conditions. George A. Runner and George W. Still,
of the Sandusky, Ohio, laboratory, have given special attention to this .
problem in the last 2 or 3 years. By giving the insect special conditions
of light intensity and reflection in a cage recently constructed, eggs have
been obtained in fair numbers. These will be used in laboratory tests of
insecticides, both against the egg stage and against newly hatched larvae.

Grape berry noth reared on cherry in the laboratory.--In the course of
experinents to develop cages in which grape berry moths would lay eggs,

Messrs. Runner and Still found in 1937 that under certain conditions of light
and temperature the moths would deposit eggs on sweet cherry and these eggs

—3—

develop to the adult stage of the insect. This as far as known is the
first record of complete development in any fruit other than grape. MDur-
ing the present season numerous eggs were obtained on sweet cherry and
noths were again reared from this fruit. Various other fruits were used
under like conditions but no eggs were obtained,

Flight period of the Indian-neal noth.-~A record of the activity of
Plodia interpunctella (Hbn.) throughout the night of May 13-14 was obtained
by Dwight F. Barnes and George H. Kaloostian of the Fresno, Calif., labora-
tory. Collections were nade by means of a rotary net driven by an electric
motor at a speed of about 21 miles per hour at an elevation of about 3
feet. The net was located in a raisin storage yard in Fresno. Catches
were removed at intervals of 15 minutes from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Ten species
of insects found in dried fruit, totaling 3,410 individuals, were separated
from the catches. The habit of nocturnal flight of the Indian-neal noth
was denonstrated. The first moth was taken during the period which ended
at 6:45 p.m. (sunset was at 6:58), when the light intensity was 100 foot
candles. Five were taken at 7:45, when the light reading was 0.25 foot
candle. The photoelectric exposure neter used for neasuring light intensity
registered zero at 8 p.nm., at which tine the net contained 7 Indian-neal
noths; between 8 and 9 p.n., 54 moths were captured; from 9 to 10 p.n., B51
ron LO to ll pin.) ees from 11 ‘to le pen. 7 15s) from 12 to lo a.ni, 5s fron
1 to 2 a.n., 1; and fron 2 to 3 a.n., 4. The last moths, two in nunber,
were taken at 3:15 a.m., about 1-1/2 hours before sunrise.

Adult Japanese beetle activity during June.--The Japanese beetle lab-
oratory at Moorestown, N. J., reports that owing to the general prevalence

of cloudy, relatively cool weather which characterized the greater parts of
May and June, emergence of adult Japanese beetles appeared to be somewhat
later than usual. The first adult was collected in the vicinity of Moores-
town on June 18, while the corresponding date in 1937 was June 14, Beetles
thereafter increased slowly in numbers and did not become locally abundant,
even in heavily infested areas, until near the close of the month. During
the last 10 days of the month, adult beetles for the nost part were
relatively inactive as a result of unfavorable meteorological. conditions.
Obvious injury to vegetation was evident locally in parts of New Castle

and Kent Counties, Del. The first beetles of the season in New England

are reported as having been found in Bridgeport, Conmn., on June 20 and at
Springfield, Mass., on June 23.

MEXICAN FRUIT FLY CONTROL

Fow Mexican fruit flies trapped.-—-Only four acult Anastrepha ludens
Loew were trapped in the lower part of the Rio Grande Valley in June.

Three of these cane from one property which was known to have been heavily
infested earlier in the season. No larval infestations were discovered
within the area. Intensive trapping and pupation—tray studies throughout
the month failed to reveal the presence of any A. ludens adults or larvae
in the Falfurrias district. The following table sumnarizes the collections
during the month.

—y

Species : Texas : Mexico

_ Adults, : :
A. ludens ---~--------------- coy Ons 32
A. serpentina Wied----------- : 5% 0
A. sp. "L"------~-------------: e 8 6)
A. pallens Coq--------------- se 2LOm ns 96
Toxotrypana curvicauda Gerst-; a aies 0
Total-------------------- BES 8 128

Larvae : H
A. ludens-------------------- : Ons 2 One
A. mombinpraeoptins Sein-----: Oa: a5
Total---------~---------- H Oe By UO
Grand total----------~---- : 288 3 1,105

“of these, 66 were from without: the regulated area.
CEREAL AND FORAGE INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Huropean corn borer parasites in Lake States area.—-W. G. Bradley,
Toledo, Ohio, reports that field collections of corn borer larvae were

made in the vicinity of release points in northwestern Ohio and south-
eastern Michigan in the fall of 1937. Emergence of parasites, in a develop-
mental environment following winter storage in the laboratory under hiber-
nation conditions, provided the following information relative to their
status in the area studied. In Jerusalem Township, Lucas County, Ohio, the
parasitization by Lydella stabulans var. grisescens R. D. has increased con-
tinuously since its first reloase at that point in 1927. Within a 35 mile
radius of the colony site parasitization averaged 23 percent, and averaged
10 percent within a radius of 7% miles. Adequate collections from five
fields showed an average of 53—percent parasitization by this species. Dis-
persion of Lydella follows closely the limits of marshland contiguous to
Lake Erie. Inareolata punctoria Roman, the only other exotic parasite re-
covered, was obtained for the fifth consecutive year at a point 1 mile

east of the colony site in Erie Township, Monroe County, Mich. The native
parasites Panzeria penitalis Coq., Zenillia caesar Ald., Labrorychus pris—
maticus Nort., and Bassus agilis Cress. accounted for less than 1 percent

of the parasitization in all the collections.

Effect of flooding on viability of grasshopper eggs.--C. C. Wilson,
Sacramento, Calif., reports that during January, February, and March many

alfalfa fields in the Sacramento Valley were under water and that the soil
was supersaturated during April and the early part of May. Ten egg pods
each of Mclanoplus differentialis (Thos.) and M. femur-rubrun (Deg.) were
recovered from the supersaturated soil and placed in laboratory cages on
May 25. The chorion of the eggs was black and in some cases nearly burst-
ing; however, in less than 10 days 100 percent of the eggs of M. differenti-
alis and &2 percent of the eggs of M. femur-rubrum had hatched, indicating
that the excessive moisture had little or no effect on their viability.

5

Classified American wheats show high susceptibility to hessian
fly.--W. B. Cartwright, Lafayette, Ind., states that approximately 200 con
mon wheat varieties were tested in the greenhouse at Lafayette in May and
June 1938, coincidental with the period of emergence of a normal supple-
mentary brood of flies in the field. One hundred eighteen varieties with
winter habit of growth showed high plant infestations with only Imperial
Anber, Mediterranean, Kruse, and Penquite falling slightly below the range
of high susceptibility. Of 81 varieties with spring habit of growth,
Illinois No. 1, W38 (Java type) had a low plant infestation of 15 percent.
Dixon, Java, Marvel, and Marquillo ranged within 60-80 percent plant infes-
tations, in contrast to 100 percent for the more susceptible varieties,

Survival of hibernating corn earworn pupae to exposure of winter air
temperatures.~-According to F. F. Dicke, Arlington, Va., it has been ap-
parent for a number of years that a conbination of temperature and soil
noisture was an important liniting factor in the rate of successful hiberna-
tion of the corn ear worn. For the last two winters, hibernating pupae in
salve boxes on dry and on moist sand have been exposed to outdoor tempera-
tures at Arlington, in order to obtain some idea of what mininun tempera-
tures they night be able to withstand. In the following table are briefly
summarized the results of the experinent carried through the winter of
1937~38. All were started on November 13.

: Salve-3 : : 2.
Source : box S -“Host : Pupae! Pupae : Moths
of senviron-=: H :surviving on senerged
noths s nent 3: : Ci Wo ot dl lire :
ye H :Nunber:Nunber:Percent :Nunber
Arlington, * Dry *Field corn 52 * 28 * 53.8 * 27
Naa = * Moist : do. Bet ee Lee mee SOY TS al
Moorestown,: Dry Sweet corn: 32 : 15 + 46.9 : 13
N. J----- : Moist s: do. Su fesaeer OL eae : ==
Marietta, : Dry ¢ do. ands eda Seals): Sra iad ab fy serine feat
Ohio-~--- s Moist ¢:. do. 68 cael amare

The mean temperature for December was slightly below normal, for Jan-
wary slightly above normal, and for February and March considerably above
normal. Moths emergod from approximately 87 percent of the pupae surviving
on April 2, For a total of 67 days the mininun temperature was freezing,
or below. The nininun temperature for the winter was 14° F,, which was re~
corded twice. On 13 days the nininun temperature was below 20°. The lowest
soil temperature recorded at a depth of 3 inches, about the average hiber-
Nation level, was aoe e The data indicate that hibernating pupae can with-
stand rather severe winter temperatures, especially under low soil noisture
conditions. The difference in the survival on dry and on noist sand is
attributed prinarily to tho difference in the rate of thermal conductivity
under these two conditions. On moist sand the exoskeleton of the pupa is
Moist, and in contact with a moist nmediun heat is pernitted to flow readily
from the insect body. When pupae become fused by ice (which has a higher
thermal conductivity than water) to the medium on which they are resting,

~6-

the body heat is given up rapidly. In a dry environment the exoskeleton
is dry and thére is little direct flow of heat from the insect body be=
cause it is largely surrounded by air, which is an excellent insulator.

Anazgon fly parasite of sugarcane borer received and bred in Louisi~
ana,-=-Thirty-nine nated female Anazon flies (Metagonistylum minense Towns.)
were received at the Houna, La., laboratory on May L fron Kk. A. Bartlett,
Puerto Rico. T. H. Holloway, Ralph Mathes, and others dissected these
flies and inoculated 1,646 larvae of Diatraea saccharalis (F.) with at
least 3 maggots each. As a result, 1,951 adult flies were reared fron
these inoculated borers. Field eeloeees of the fly have been made and »
breeding work is being continued.

Chelonus annulipes Wesm. released for sugarcane borer control in
South,—-J. W. Ingram, Houma, reports the receipt of a shipment of 6,000
adults of @. annulipes on June & from W. A. Baker, of the Toledo, Ohio, lab-—
oratory. Only 14 of these were dead. Releases were made in two locations
on each of three sugarcane plantations in Louisiana. Arrangements were
made for R. N. Lobdell, entomologist of the Everglades, Fla., State Experi-
nent Station, to receive the same number of parasites from Mr. Baker.

These were received at West Palm Beach on June 9 and released at two loca-
tions near Lake Okeechobee and at two sites On Fellsmere Plantation, near
the town of Fellsnere,.

Plant anc stubble sugarcane as sources of spring borer infestation.-—-=
E. K. Bynun, Houma, reports that eight tines as many eggs of Diatraeca sac-

charalis (F.), many times as many borer stages, and 14 times as many "dead
hearts" caused by borer larvae were found in first-year stubble sugarcane
fields, of the variety Co. 281, as were found in adjacent plant cane of
the same variety. These results confirm those of previous years, that
stubble cane is a more important source of spring borer infestation than
is plant cane.

Corn ear worm infestation in the Central States may originate from
commercial shipments.--R. A.’Blanchard, A. F. Sattertawait and J. M. Magner,
Urbana, Ill., state that circumstantial evidence indicates that early ship-
nents of sweet corn fron the Gulf States may be a source of infestation by
the ear worm in the Central States. During 1937~38, this problem has been
studied in Illinois and Missouri. Green corn is shipped to the wholesale
center at St. Louis, beginning early in May. This corn has been observed
to be heavily infested by the larvae of Heliothis obsoleta (F.). After
reaching the wholesale centers, it is distributed over a wide marketing
area throughout the surrounding States. Somo of this infested corn is dis-
played for sale in open-air markets for a considerable longth of tine, No
records of larvae leaving the corn ond entering the soil to pupate have
been obtained as yet, but that could easily be the case. The early field
infestation records for 1936 further tend to point to the early shipments
of corn and tomatoes from the South as a source of ear worm infestation.

Very little natural infestation occurred north of the southern tip of Illinois
up to June 8. In an early market corn area near Bast St. Louis, however,
infestations up to 26 percent were observed by June 9. This area is near sid-
ings where large numbers of refrigerator cars carrying infested corn and

a

tomatoes from the South are switched and cleaned, Large nunbers of full-
grown H. obsoleta larvae have been found in these cars and in one instance
four living pupae were found in a car that had nade the trip from the
South to East St. Louis, thence east to Pittsburgh, Pa., and back to a
siding in central Illinois. It was deternined in 1938 that areas 25 niles
or so from the careconcentration points had only a light early infestation.

Spring wheats resistant to infestation by hessian fly.--I. T. Jones,
Manhattan, Kans., reported on July 9 that tests of spring wheat under
actual field conditions of infestation to hessian fly at Springfield, Mo.,
show that a nunber of varieties are resistant to spring infestation. Of |
a series of 100 selected spring wheats, F.P.I. 94549, IV Cl + #, IVy
(Gelou), Renaciniento, Triumpho, F.P.1I. 94585, Illinois, No. 1719, F.P.I.
94570, F.P.I. 94600, Unnamed common CI 10143, F.P.I. 94571, and Unnamed
common CI 10153, were found to be resistant to fly. Artigas and Pusa #4
also appeared to be resistant in these tests. Varieties are listed in
order of resistance.

Wild grasses may become hessian fly reservoirs.--Recently completed.
infestation tests of grasses likely to become hosts of the hessian fly

show that appreciable populations nay be built up on several wild grasses.
Of the 16 species of Agropyron, 14 species of Elymus, and 2 species of
Hystrix tested, all selections of these species were found to support in-
festations of hessian fly. Of a number of selections involving six species
of Loliun, only one selection of L, remotum becane infested.

JAPANESE BEETLE CONTROL

Prefunigation of refrigerator cars.--Funigation of empty refrigerator
cars prior to their loading with bananas began in Baltinore on June 17. As

was the case last year, the United Fruit Company continued to use liquid
hydrocyanic acid with a dosage of 3 ounces in each of two pans set in the
doorway of the car. Standard Fruit Company repeated their use of HCN dis-
coids. In addition to the fumigation of empty cars by the Standard and
United Companies, both the Pennsylvania and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroads
funizated empty cars for the Lanassa Fruit Company. Sinilar prefunigation
of cars prior to loading with certified farn products was started in New
Jersey on June 25 and 20 empty cars were funigated between June 25 and 30.
In addition, four cars of onions were fumigated with HCN by the Central
Railroad of New Jersey at Bridgeton Junction, N. J. This railroad will use
HCN for the funisation of all farm products that require this treatnent
before noving out of the heavily infested area in New Jersey. Tho sane
funigant will be used by the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines in the
funigations made at Camden, N. J. All arrangenents had been nade at the
end of the nonth to start funigations in Philadelphia and New York City on
July 1.

Funization with methyl bronmide.--Following a demonstration of a new
method of methyl bromide funigation by a representative of a Michigan chen-
ical manufacturer, funigation of white potatoes with this chenical was be-
Gun on June 16 at the Pennsylvania Railroad freight yards at Edge Moore,
near Wilmington, Del., and the Greonwich yards in Philadelphia. The pro-
cedure followed requires plugging of the drips, closing of the doors,

Gas

setting of plugs in the bunker doors, and lowering of the electrically
driven blower assernbly in one bunker hatch. Hight minutes is required to
introduce the 5 pounds of methyl bromide in spray form through one bunker
at the same end as the blower. The blower is operated while the funigant
is being introduced and for an additional 20 ninutes. The 2-hour funi-
gation period begins after the introduction of the gas, At the end of the
funigation period, the bunkers are opened and cloth screens on light
wooden frames are wired in cach of the four bunkers. One door is also
opened and immediately covered with a screen, which renains in place while
the car is being ventilated. During the latter half of the nonth, 736 car-
loads of white potatoes wore fumigated in this manner,

Heavy beetle infestation in Washington, D. C.~-Infestations in tho
District of Columbia and nearby Virginia are quite heavy. this year. Those

most affected are residents in the northeastern and southeastern sections
of the District and in Alexandria, Va. During heavy emergence of the
beetle on June 21, the Washington suboffice, in a 5-hour period, received
35 telephone calls fron individuals reporting beetles on their property

and requesting control measures. Visits were made to 6 infested gardens,
where from 100 to 1,000 beetles were observed. Beetles were found on
clothes hanging on wash lines, on sides of houses, in homes, and, naturally,
on practically all flowers and shrubs in the yards.

Beetle information service in Baltinmore.--Bocause of the large number
of telephone inquiries concerning Japanese beetle control received annually
from Baltinore residents, the City Park Department, during the latter half
of June, established a beetle information service at Druid Hill Park. De-
spite the availability of this service, telephone inquiries continued to
pour into the Baltimore district office.

Trap-scouting for Japanese beetle.--Trapping in nonregulated areas
progressed according to schedule during the month. Trapping had been con=

cluded and the traps Lifted in Mobile, Ala.; Valdosta, Ga.; Tallulah, La.;
Leland, Miss.3; Las Cruces, N. Mex.; and Bryan, Del Rio, Hl Paso, Lamesa,
and Laredo, Tex. Traps were still in operation in the following nuzbers
of cities and towns in their respective States: Alabama, 1; Arizona, 7;
California, 11; Florida, 9; Georgia, 17; Illinois, 3; Indiana, 3; Iowa, 1;
Kentucky, 5; Louisiana, 4; Mississippi, 3; Missouri, 2; New Mexico, 3;
North Carolina, 23; Ohio, 163 South Carolina, 13; Tennessee, 2; Texas, 323
Virginia, 533; and West Virginia, 5.

Japanese beetle control personnel increases.--Dy the end of the
nonth nany of the summer personnel had been hired and assigned to their

stations. One hundred and sixty-two inspectors of farn products were as—
signed to 42 inspection centers scattered throughout the regulated area.
Scouting of classified nurserics and greenhouses was assigned to 48 men.
Forty-seven men were engaged in soil-—treating work at Erie, Pa., and at
Chicago, Ill. The total trapping personnel distributed among 12 States
nunbers 283. The grand total of men employed on the project, both ap—
pointed and temporary, as of June 30, was 734.

oe)

Blueberry funigation.--Officially the fumigation of blueberries with
carbon disulphide at the New Lisbon, N. J., funigation house started June
20. Prior to this date, however, the Blueberry Cooperative Association
had funigatea some berries on their own accord to control a maggot infest-
ing their product. Of 2,531 crates funizated by the Association during
June, 2,344 crates were certified for movement to markets outside the refu-
latod area.

Early beetle emergence.--Appearance of the adult Japanese beetle dur-
ing June prelininary to heavy emergence was observed in Richmond, Va., on
the Sth; Governor's Island, New York Harbor, on the 17th; Eartford, Conn.,
on the 19th; Bridgeport, Conn., on the 2lst; Bloonfield, N. J., on the
2end; and Springfield, Mass., on the 23rd.

_ Gypsy moth egg clusters reappear _in inspected mnaterial.--Among quaran-
tined products subnitted for inspection in June were two carloads of lun-

ber, on each of which single ogg clusters were found. One was inspected

at Deering Junction, Maine, for shipnent to Gibbstown, N. Y., and the othr
was destined from Cornish, Maine, to Outremont, Quebec. Enough larvae to
start a sizable infestation were destroyed in a carlot shipnent of rail-
road ties from Snithfield, R. I., to Montowose, Conn. Six larvae were also
destroyed in a carload of lumber en route fron Deering Junction, Maine, to
Canden, N. J., and a single larva was detected in a sinilar shipment in~
spocted at the sane point for movement to Suspension Bridge, N. Y.

Scouting of railroads by autogiro.--The largest autogiro of the fleet
left the hone airport on June 10 with a pilot and two observers for Laurel,

Miss., arriving at destination on the following evening. The gasoline
tank truck and operator were contacted at this point. On June 13 the unit
started the first flight in the railroad-scouting program, proceeding to
Lovisville, Ky. A total of 3,615 miles was flown by tho autogiro crew in
the first 3 weeks of flight. The itinerary of the 18 States to be covered
by the aerial crew and the followup ground crews involves a complete sur-=
vey of 14 railroads over which imported eln logs were shipped, as follows:
Atlanta & West Point, Baltimore & Ohio, Illinois Central, Louisville &
Nashville, Missouri Pacific, Norfolk & Western, Pennsylvania, Southern,
Big Four, Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, Erie, New York Central, Nickel
Plate, and Western Maryland.

Training Dutch elm disease scouts.——Scout schools were started on
June 6, all WW. P. A. personnel having been laid off fron June.1 to 5 in an»
ticipation of the opening of the scouting season. Schools in Connecticut
were located at Stanford, Danbury, Trumbull, and Guilford. Approximately
275 men, 62 of then from the Pine Shoot Moth project, were trained at °
these 4 schools. In New York, 610 W.P.A. workers reported for training. In
New Jersey, scout schools were started in each infected county on June 7.
A school at Easton, Fa., was started on June 9, with a total cf 15 men. In
isolated infected sections, scout schools were organized at Indianapolis
and Evansville, Ind.;-Clevelanc, Cincinnati, and Athens, Chio; Martinsburg
and Parkersburg, W. Va.e, and Baltimore and Cumberland, Md. Systematic scout-
ing started in nost localitites on June 13,

10

Extensions of infected zone.--Confirmation of an elm in Hope Town-
ship, Warren County, anc another in Asbury Park, Monmouth County, N. J.,
enlarged the infected zone by several square miles. An additional confir-
nation in lolland Township, Hunterdon County, N. J., further added Cee)
square miles to the New Jersey area. On June 21, two confirmations were
received covering elms located in Beacon and Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County,
N. Y., thereby adding a new county to the infected zone. Later in the
month a third confirmation in Dutchess County added the township of Hyde
Park to the infected zone. The third tree was found by a Federal crew fron
the Poughkeepsie training school while checking a group of devitalized
elms for field practice.

Reduction in force on Dutch elm disease work.--Several reductions in
W.P.A. personnel were made during June, particularly in New Jersey. The
total force to be carried over into the next fiscal year on the entire proj-
ect numbers 30 percent fewer than was available for the work last year. Ap-
prozinately 55 697 workers of different classifications have been retained.

Autogiro scouting in the main work area.—~On June 20, autogiro scout=
ing was started in Morris and Passaic Counties, N. J. In Putnam County,
N. Y., scouting started June 21. The aerial crew operating in Northampton
County, Pa,, began their flights on June 21 also.

Dutch éln disease accomplishnents.--During the week period ending
July 2, 1,410 elms were confirmed as infected with the Dutch eln disease,
Scout crews collected a total of 15,013 samples from trees showing wilting
or yellowing foliage or streaking in the wood. In the sane period, eradi-
cation crews destroyed 376 diseased trees, and other crews removed 9,407
dead and devitalized elns.

Mass autogiro flight.--A tune-up flight of the Division's five auto-
giros was held on June 7, preparatory to dispersal of the ships on their
individual scouting assignnents to search for elm trees infected with the
Dutch elm disease. In fornation the giros flew over Dloonfield, Montclair,
Hast Orange, Newark, and Paterson.

FOREST INSECTS

Cooperative study of Arnillaria mellea.--J. C. Evenden, of the Coeur
dtAlene, Idahd, laboratory, reports the institution of a cooperative study

by the Forest Experinent Station at Missoula, Mont., the School of Forestry
at the University of Idaho, and the Forest Insect Laboratory concerning the
importonce and interrelations of the shoe=string root-rot fungus, Armil-
nilaria mellea, in white pine to attacks of the mountain pine beetle. This
study is being conducted on the Coeur d'Alene National Forest where a field
laboratory has been established to determine the various root fungi en-
counterec.

Biological ‘studies on the Black Hills beetle.--J. A.-Beal and Donald
De Leon, Fort Collins, Colo., report that.an analysis of the data obtained
on the biological study of the Black Hills beetle during the summer of 1937
largely confirms the findings on this study during the two previous years.

It is interesting to note that second-year emergence (beetles requiring 2
years to develop at high elevations) was found to be about the same as last
year, or 9 percent. A small amount of third-year emergence was recorded
for the first time in 1937. The number of adult beetles emerging fron the
three hosts studied varied greatly. Emergence from limber pine averaged
88.1 boctles per square foot; from lodgepole, only 19.7 per square foot;
and from ponderosa pine, 28 per square foot. A 3-year comparison of Black
Wills beetle emergence from lodgepole pine and limber pine is shown in the
following table:

Year H Lodgepole pine : Linber pine
of : Energence Sq. ft. %& Emergence SOs Ge
; SE DOr Sen Dus cOle Dario s fier. 01 Dark
1935 H 18,2 : fe H 1604.5 $ 28
1936 : 51.9 : : &9.1 prey
1937 : 19.7 2 oO : 88. Sn 60

The period of emergence from ponderosa pine at Wah Keeney Park, Colo.,
practically coincided with the emergence of the beetle fron limber pine
at Elk Mountain, Wyo., although the latter place is 2,500 feet higher and
about 150 miles farther north than Wah Keeney Park. Elevation does not
seen to affect the amount of brood. Also, the side of tree appeared to
have little effect on beetle emergence. In 1937 over 140 different asso-
ciated species of parasites, predators, and associated arthropods were
found to be present in infested trees. Although a similar number wore col-
lected fron both the Wah Keaney Park ponderosa pine and the Elk Mountain
lodgepole and linber pine, the species and relative numbers were not
sinilar in these two areas.

Another bark beetlo found capable of transmitting Dutch Eln
disease.~-W. D, Buchanan, of the Morristown, N. J., laboratory, has carried

on an experinent with Scolytus sulcatus Lec. as a vector of the Dutch eln
disease fungus. This bark beetle has been found most frequently attacking
apple trees but infests also elm. It is sometimes found in elns affected
with the Dutch elm disease. Mr. Buchanan artificially contaninated adults
of S. sulcatus with the fungus and then placed them in cages with snall
healthy elm treos. The adults vigorously attacked the twig crotches and
the trunks and the trees later showed wilting and discoloration in the wood.
The fungus was later cultured fron sections of the trees. The experiment
indicates the possibility of the beetle causing healthy trees to becone

infected provided it has come in contact with the fungus before attacking
such trees.

Attempt made to trap elm bark beetles in upper air.—A. E. Lantz, of .
the Morristown, N. J., laboratory, was able to make three flights in a seni-~

rigid airship during June in an attempt to trap elm bark beetles in the air.
This was made possible through the kind cooperation of the United States
Naval Air Station at Lakehurst, N. J. Mr. Lantz constructed screens and a
frame to hold them in place on the side of the airship. The screens were
treated with a sticky material and could be placed in and renoved fron

the frame at will. The flights were made over parts of New Jersey, New
York, and Connecticut. The total mileage flown was approxinately 686,
and 90,552,000 cubic feet of air were sampled at altitudes between 600
and 3,400 feet. No elm bark beetles were taken on the screens.

Elm trap logs furnish information on elm bark beetles .--The Bureau's
eradication unit and the Morristown, N. J., laboratory, have cooperated in
placing elm trap trees in six outlying areas where elms affected by the
Dutch elm disease have previously been found and destroyed. The object of
this work was to secure additional infornation on the elm bark beetles
occurring in these areas, and also to find out what percentage of then
were carrying the Dutch eln disease fungus. To obtain this latter infor-
nation, beetles and galleries made in the trap trees were removed and
cultured. The six areas were as follows; Old Lyme and Guilford, Conn.;
Brunswick, Md.; Cumberland, Md.-Wileys Ford, W. Va.3 Athens, Ohio; and
Indianapolis, Ind. The trees were placed during May and examined and later
destroyed in June. The native ein bark beetle, Eylurgopinus rufipes Hich.,
made gallerics in the trap trees in all six areas. The smaller European
elm bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus Marsh., made galleries in trees put
out in the Athens, Ohio; Brunswick, Md.3; and Cumberland, Md.-Wileys Ford,
W. Va., areas. This is the first tine that this introduced bark beetle
has been taken in the Drunswick, Md., and Cumberland, Md.—{fileys Ford,

W. Va., areas.

Recent work on European spruce sawfly.—-P. B. Dowden, F. A. Berry, —
and F. E. Miller, Jr. (Collaborator), of the New Haven, Conn., laboratory,
have been engaged in investigations on the European spruce sawfly and its
parasites. Mr. Dowden is conducting the sawfly survey, Mr. Miller the
mass reproduction work with Microplectron fuscipennis Zett., and Mr. Berry
reproduction work with other species of parasites. Surveys have been com-
pleted in 5 towns in Vermont and 5 towns in southern New Nampshire, and
about 10 infested areas suitable for Microplectron liberation have been
discovered. All of these are in towns adjacent to Wilmington, Vt., and
Dublin, N. U., where severe infestatians were found in 1937. Sawfly feed-
ing is already heavy at these points. Development is very irregular;
some overwintering cocoons are just producing adults, all stages of larvae
are present, and a great many are full grovwm or nearly full grown. On
June 28, one newly formed first-generation cocoon was found. To date ap-
proximately 3 million Microplectron fuscipennis larvae have been produced
and are being held at temperatures to retard further development. Repro-
duction work with three other parasites of European origin which will
attack this sawfly is under way. These parasites are Microcryptus sp.,.
Exenterus abruptorius Thunb., ond Exenterus adspersus Iitg. Breeding stock
was obtained from the Dominion Parasite Laboratory, Belleville, Ontario.

Sprays tested against white pine weevil.--~S. F. Potts, New Maven,
Conn., reports that practically a complete kill of the white pine weevil

was obtained in 2 plots of approximately 1,200 trees each by spraying with
a concentrated mixture containing 1 part lead arsenate to 10 parts of water
and with 1 part lead arsenate to 20 parts of water. The nixture contained
fish oil as an adhesive and "aresket" as a wetting agent. In several small

malne

plots treated with mixtures containing lead arsenate, derris, derris resi-
nate, cryolite, and free nicotine in oil, derris gave tho most promising
_ results. The cost of application did not exceed $3 per acre.

‘ Additional injections of enzyme from Matsucoccus scale made in pine

twigs.--T. J. Parr, of the New Haven, Conn., laboratory, reports that all

enzyme injections made on May 21 and May 24, as discussed last month,

- showed definite injury to the pitch pine twigs on June 1. On June 4, five

_ enzyme injections wore made in tree No. 2. This extract was made fron the

_ salivary glands of two insects which had just completed the second molt.

Six checks were made on the same tree, three being dry bulbs and three
with 30 percent glycerine. On June 8 the enzyne injections were beginning
to show slight injury, the checks none. On June 14 the twig injected
June 4 was showing more injury and there was a definite swelling of the
twig at point of injection. Toward the end of June slight injury was ap-
parent on some of the check injections in the greenhouse at New Haven. On
June 14 extraction of salivary glands from 12 late first-stage crawlers _
was made in 10 cu mn of 30 percent glycerine and transported to Prescott,
Ariz., where this naterial was injected in both current and 1937 growth on
young ponderosa pine trees, In the next several days extractions fron the
salivary glands of the late first stage of a different species of Matsucoc-
cus, which occurs around Prescott, were made and injections carried out
On several young ponderosa pine trees. Injections and checks totaling 179
were made on both current and 1937 growth. On June 23 these injections
appeared to be showing injury. There was some slight injury also on check
injections, especially where there had been much prodding to get the bulb
to stay in the extrenely soft new growth. It was still too early to tell
whether there would be any injury on the 1937 growth.

GYPSY MOTI AND BROWN-TAIL MOTI! CONTROL

Progress of gypsy noth spraying.--Federal gypsy moth work in Massa-
chusotts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania during the nonth of June consisted

alnost entirely of spraying tree foliage at selected locations with lead
arsenate in order to kill the feeding caterpillars, On June l, 12 spraying
machines were in operation in Massachusetts, 18 in Connecticut, and 26 in
Pennsylvania. In addition, 18 sprayers, most of which were loaned by the

_ Federal Government, were in operation in New York State under the super-

' vision of the State Conservation Department. The majority of the sprayers
were operated on the single~shift basis because of the lack ofawmilable nen,
but the double=shift method was employed wherever possible. During the
first two weeks in June approximately 60 tons of lead arsenate and 47
barrels of fish oil were delivered to spraying centers in Massachusetts and
Connecticut alone.

Varied types of gypsy noth work undertaken in June.-~By June first all
regular end emergency employees assigned to gypsy moth work in Massachusetts,
Connecticut, and Pennsylvania were engaged in spraying the trees with lead

arsenate during favorable weather. As no spraying work was planned in Ver-
‘Mont this season, the workers in that State continued their scouting work in
the mountainous regions along the castern edge of the barrier zone. The bulk

ceili ee

of the spraying in New York State was done by C. C. C. enrollees, which re-
leased a large percentage of the W. P. A. workers for scouting, burlapping,
patrolling burlap bands, and other duties. As no infestation was found

in New Jersey during the past year, the snall force of workers in that
State continued to scout the areas most likely to contain infestations.

Frost danage to foliage alters spraying plans in sone sections.--
Severe frosts in May damaged the foliage in certain woodland areas where

gypsy moth spraying was planned to such an extent that the work could not
be perforned until the foliage from the secondary buds had had an oppor-
tunity to develop. This condition was especially noticeable in Pennsylvania.

Pulpwood cutting retards gypsy noth scouting work.--Gypsy noth scout-
ing crews working in Bennington County, Vt., have been retarded naterially
because of the methods used in cutting a large amount of pulpwood in that
region during the spring. Throughout large forested areas softwood trees
have been cut, and the upper portions have been left where they fell. The
tangled tops not only impede the progress of the scouts but also are most
difficult to examine for gypsy moth infestation. This condition is particu-
larly true in the town of Sunderland.-

Islands in Lake Champlain not infested by the gypsy moth.--The ie
islands in Lake Champlain could not be exanined for the gypsy noth at the

tine that scouting work was done on the mainland in Addison County, Vt.,
because of the unsafe condition of the ice during the past winter. They
were recently scouted by the regular supervisory personnel assigned to
duty in Vermont and were found to be uninfested.

Long hose lines used where convenient water supply is lacking.—--Sever-
al gypsy moth infestations in New Marlboro, Mass., are located at consid—

erable distances fron a suitable water supply, and it was necessary to

pump the water through long hose lines in order to spray the areas. At one
of the infestations, which is situated on a high elevation and is a danger-
ous source from which caterpillars could be distributed in all directions
by the wind, approxinately 5,000 feet of hose was used in the water line
supplying the sprayer and about 4,300 feet was used in carrying the solu-
tion from the sprayer to the area treated.

Porcupines damage hose lines.-~Porcupines in the vicinity of West
Stockbridge have developed an appetite for rubber. They have damaged sever-
al lengths of hose used in spraying for the gypsy noth, and tooth narks
were plainly visible on several other lengths. One section of hose was
gnawed in six different places. Similar trouble was experienced in a few
localities in 1936.

Early completion of spraying on Long Island releases sprayers for
work at other locations.—Tree foliage developed earlier on Long Island,

N. Y.,, than in other sections of the State, and spraying for the gypsy noth
was started during the first half of May. All of the work planned for that
region by the New York Conservation Department was completed on May 31, and
the equipnent was moved to Putnam Valley and to other locations in the
barrier zone where the foliase was slower in developing.

“15~

Intensive treatment precedes spraying at two gypsy moth infesta-
tions.--Spraying work was completed during the first half of June at the
isolated infestations in the towns of Damascus and Paradise, Pa., and
the sprayers were transferred to Spring Brook and Bear Creek. The spray-
ing of these two infestations was preceded by intensive scouting, thinning,
and treatment work, and total extermination of the gypsy moth is expected
by the end of this year.

Nearly 4,000 ,000 éypsy noth egg clusters creosoted by C. C. C.--During
the past fiscal year C. C. C. enrollees creosoted slightly more than
3,800,000 gypsy moth egg clusters, Of these, more than 28,000 were treated
in Connecticut; approximately 400,000 in Vermont; and the remainder, about
3,372,000, in Massachusetts. The creosoting work was completed during the
latter part of May, and by the end of the first week in June the men had
placed burlap bands around more than 470,000 trees and had crushed approxi-
mately 60,000 caterpillars.

Gypsy moth defoliation reported by C. C. C.--Reports of severe gypsy
moth defoliation have been received from scattered locations in the in~

fested area. Trees at a very heavy infestation in Russell, Mass., where
C. C. C. enrollees performed a large amount of gypsy moth work during the
past winter, were approximately 40-percent defoliated by the middle of
June. The damage is confined principally to a few small pockets of poplar
growth which it is planned to remove during the coming winter. Indica-
tions are that large woodland areas in Russell would have suffered severe
defoliation this summer if the control work had not been done, as consid-
erably more than 1,000,000 gypsy noth egg clusters were creosoted in the
town during the past fiscal year. Severe defoliation was also reported
near the base of Mount Toby in Sunderland, and in Deerfield and Ifolyoke,
Mass.; in oaks and gray birch in Granby, Conn.; and in large oak trees in
Westminster, Vt.

Infestations in Connecticut sprayed by C. C. C.--Enrollees fron the
C. C. C. carp in Cornwall, Conn., were temporarily detailed to assist in
spraying gypsy noth infestations discovered during the year in the adjoin-
ing town of Sharon, which is located in the Connecticut section of the
barrier zone. The use of the C. C. C. men for this work resulted in the
treatnent of a greater acreage in Connecticut than would otherwise have
been possible.

PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

Factors affecting the development and spread of stem rust in 1938.--
EH. C. Stakman, in charge of rust surveys, reports as follows concerning the

development of stem rust this year: "In studying the factors affecting the
development of stem rust in 1938, it is apparent that a small amount of
initial inoculum early in the spring can increase so rapidly under favorable
conditions as to assume epidemic proportions by harvest time. The experi-~
ence this year emphasizes the fact that, regardless of its source, a small
anount of inoculun is dangerous. Thus the earliness of barberry infection
assunes considerable importance. In addition, because of the fact that
snall anounts of inoculum can multiply so rapidly in the very susceptible

1 6—

soft winter wheats in the South, the breeding of rust-resistant varieties
for the winter wheat area is extremely important. It has been shown that
the soft red wheats in general are far more susceptible than the hard red
wheats. This conclusion is reached not only as a result of field obser-
vations but also as a result of controlled experiments. The aggregate ~
damage from stem rust in the winter wheat region will not be comparable
with that of 1937, as the development of epidemics was more local than
last year. Wowever, the heavy succulent stands in most places, together
with superabundant May rainfall, furnished ideal conditions for rapid in-
crease of stem rust. The terrific and widespread leaf rust epidemic, to-
gether with stem rust and unfavorable weather conditions, caused heavy
damage to winter wheat in certain areas, notably north-central Texas, north-
western Missouri, and northeastern Kansas. It is rather difficult, how-
ever, under the circumstances, accurately to apportion the responsibility
for damage. Further evidence is being obtained that: barberries are of out-
standing importance in the production and perpetuation of parasitic strains
of stem rust. So far, from 15 aecial isolates, 8 different parasitic |
strains have been identified, of which several are very virulent. On the
other hand, only 10 races have been obtained from 131 uredial isolates.

In cooperation with the Division of Cereal Crops and Diseases, of the Bur-
eau of Plant Industry, experiments are being continued on the results of
hybridization between varieties and physiologic races of stem rust. In-
dications are that very unusual combinations can be made, thus demonstrat-
ing still further the danger of permitting even a few barberries to
persist."

Barberries rusted early in Minnesota in 1938.-~-Leonard W. Melander,

State leader of barberry eradication in Minnesota, reports that remaining
barberry bushes rusted early and fairly heavily in Minnesota this year.
The first pycnial infections were found on April 26, which is the

earliest date since 1921 when first rust on barberry was observed on April
25. This year mature aecia were found on May 6 and the first stem rust on
grasses was found on Agropyron repens on June 6. The first stem rust on
grain near barberries was observed on barley on June 14. Stem rust telia
were found on wild grasses near barberry on June 14 in Dakota County.

This represents the earliest date telia have ever been reported in Minne-
sota, At least eight cases of barberry spreading stem rust to grains and
grasses have been observed so far this year. Rust observations indicate
the likelihood of barberries in the vicinity of Belle Plaine, Scott County,
where an area infested with barberry bushes was mapped several years ago.
A heavy local epidemic of stem rust developed on rye and wheat in this
area this year. An inspection of this locality will be made during. the
summer.

Barberry bushes located in Grand Forks County, N. Dak., by labor
crews.--On June 6, 53 common barberry bushes ranging in height from 3 to
10 feet, and 300 seedlings were found in a small farmstead grove in Ply-
nouth Township in Grand Forks County, according to George 0. Mayoue,
leader in charge of barberry eradication in North Dakota and Montana. These
bushes were located and destroyed early enough to prevent any possibility

ee

of rust spreading from then this year. On June 23, 26 barberry bushes in-
fected with stem rust were located in Gilby Township, Grand Forks County.
These bushes were in a grove in which many of the trees had beon rozoved.
here was evidence that rust had just begun to spread from these bushes to
Reward wheat about 25 rods north of the location. While renaining barberry
bushes in North Dakota are not numerous and apt to be widely scattered, lo-
cations such as those described above represent a distinct hazard to small-
grain crops in an area such as Grand Forks County where wheat is extrenely
importand and grain fields are continuous for nany niles.

Favorable conditions for blister rust spread in the Inland Empire.--A
late, wet spring and a heavy crop of aeciospores gave blister rust infection
of Ribes a good start throughout the Inland Empire during May and early
June. Abundant uredinial infection has been noted on both stream type and
upland Ribes in the vicinity of pine infection centers on each operation in .
the region. Since aeciospore production will continue throughout June and
part of July, additional Ribes infection may result. However, a period of
hot, dry weather during late May and early June gave indications that the
anount of this new infection as well as the amount of intensification on
the Ribes night be slight. With heavy rains occurring throughout the region
during the period June 15-18, the situation was completely reversed to the
extent that both an extremely widespread initial infection of Ribes and
heavy uredinial intensification appeared probable. If this build-up of
Ribes infection is followed by small amounts of precipitation in July and
August, the Inland Empire will experience a favorable pine infection year
comparable to 1937. Observation curing late June at several locations in
the region show that uredinial infection is quite abundant and probably
More advanced on Ribes lacustre than on the other Ribes species. Consider
able necrosis of urediniun-bearing leaf tissue is occurring on R. lacustre
but not on other Ribes. If there is a decided increase during the next two
weeks in the anount of necrotic area, the telia production of R. lacustre
will be greatly reduced. mE

White pine planted in Indiana.--Two Farn Security projects in Indiana
have recently planted more than 100,000 white pine in mixture with other
pines on some 200 acres of acquired project lands. These plantings are in
the southern part of the State in Ribes-free arenas.

Blister rust notes fron Wisconsin.--Blister rust infection on both
pine and Ribes was found for the first time in Juneau County, Wis., on
June 18, 1938. One canker which apparently had fruited several tines was _
found on 1932 wood. In Portage County several Ribes cynosbati bushes were
noticed which were about 40 percent defoliated due to heavy rust infection.
The first telial colurms for 1938 were reported at Black Iflawk Island in Juneau

County un June 18. COTION INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Number of boll weevils surviving in hibernation cages docs not indi-
cate number of weevils in cottonfields.--During October and Novenber of cach
year since 1931, at Tallulah, La., 35,000 boll weevils have been placed in
hibernation cages (500 weevils in each of 70 cages). The survival has varied
fron 6,438 weevils, or 18.39 percent, emerging during May and June 1932 fol-
lowing the extremely nild winter of 1931, to 37 weevils, or .10-percent

uve

survival in the spring of 1935. The percentage of surviving weevils is
not an index as to the boll weevil population in the cottonfields in the
spring because a definite number of weevils are placed in the cages each
year, whereas there is great variation in the number of weevils in the
fields from year to year at the time the weevils are collected for the
cages. Boll weevil counts made by examining the small cotton plants dur-
ing May and June give a better index as to the boll weevil population _
early in the season. The accompanying table shows that the percentage of
weevils surviving does not indicate the number of weevils in the fields.
Following the extremely mild winter of 1931-32, when 18.39 percent of the
caged weevils survived, there were only 1.35 weevils per 100 plants in the
fields during May and June of 1932, whereas the next spring when only .15
percent of the weevils survived there were 1.49 weevils per 100 plants in
the fields. This spring (1938) the survival in the cages was less than
one-tenth as high as in 1937 (1.13 percent in 1938 and 11.87 percent in
1937), but in the cottonfields during May and June this year the weevils
were about twice as numerous as in 1937 (0.53 weevils per 100 plants in
1938 and 0.28 weevils per 100 plants in 1937). The boll weevil survival
in hibernation cages of 1.13 percent as reported by G. L. Smith and as~
sistants was much lower than the survival in 1937, 1934, and 1932, but
much higher than in 1936, 1935, and 1933; while the boll weevil population
in the fields at Tallulah, La., as reported by M. T, Young and assistants,
was about twice as great during May and June, 1938, as in 1937, ond seven
times as great as in 1936 but much lower than in 1935, 1934, 1933, and 1932.
The following table shows for the years 1932—35 the survival of boll
weevils as indicated by spring emergence at Tallulah, La., from cages in
which 35,000 weevils were installed in the fall, and the results of exan-
inations of plants to determine boll weevil population in cottonfields
during May and June.

Yoosne Weevils $: Plants : Weevils : Weevils per
: survived 33 examined : found : 100 plants
:-Number : Percent:: Number : Number : #£Number

1932's) Geuaee e216 59) sp Uoia COO) sw Remo 1652

1933 : Bon 5 eis OOR OOO al healers 1.49

1934 ; 2,630 +: 7.51 $: 109,000 :° 2,671 ; 2.45

1935 3 Blew Wo lOn ise sEe2 O00 meee Om ie ies

WORE s 2 GO) s bieliy st) etl On coon: Sas OOTG

MOR hs eto) edo ci. lini OOOL Ks 4ue5 3 0.28

OAS er S9Oy. oo 2 aE ues yoo OOOn 903. : 0.53

Energence of boll weevils from hibernation.-—-F, F. Bondy, Florence,
S. C., planted 1/5 acre of cotton on March 30 in a field surrounded on
three sides by woods and located 1/4 mile from any other cotton. A flight
screen trap covered with a sticky material was placed near the center of
this small cottonfield. On each day between April 25 and 29 weevils were
collected.on the screen trap, a total of 27 weevils in 5 days, On April 26,
4 weevils were collected on the cotton. During May, 64 weevils were col-'
lected fron this 1/5 acre of cotton and 45 on the screen trap. During June,
199 weevils were caught on the cotton and 31 on the screen trap. Of these,

SiGe

87 from the cotton and 13 from the screen trap were collected from June 15
to 30. Of the 263 weevils taken in the trap crop of cotton during May and
June, 75.7 percent were caught in June and 33.1 percent were caught after
June 15. As all of these weevils had probably hibernated in the adjacent
woods, this test indicates that 33.1 percent emerged and entered the cotton-
field after squares were large enough for the weevils to enter, and there-
fore after the effective season for presquare applications of poison had
passed.

Boll weevil control by presquare applications of insecticides.—--Rex
L. McGarr, State College, Miss., reports on two series of tests of pre-

square poisoning to control boll weevils on cotton. The purpose of these
experinents was to compare the use of small plots (1/2 to 3/5 acre) with
larger plots or entire small fields (1 to 3 acres) for tests of this type;
and to compare a mixture of 1 pound of calcium arsenate to 1 gallon of ©
water with the materials that are generally uscd in presquare poisoning,
that is, calcium arsenate dust, and a mixture of 1 pound of calcium ar-
senate dust, 1 gallon of molasses, and 1 gallon of water. All of the tests
were replicated and untreated check plots or fields were used for compari-
son in each case. Twelve large plots or small fields, and 18 snall plots
were used for the tests. The poison applications were made on June 3 and
4 after counts showed the boll weevil population varied in the different
ficlds and plots from 1.1 to 7 weevils per 100 plants. Approximately 5
pounds of the calcium arsenate dust and 2 gallons each of the calciun ar-
senate-nolasses-water and calcium arsenate-water mixtures were applicd per
acre. Mr. McGarr states: "An analysis of the presquare boll weevil work
this season strongly indicates: That the control from one application of
the calcium arsenate dust and calcium arsenate-nolasses-water mixture gave
a satisfactory kill of weevils in both the large and small plots; that
there was very little difference, if any, between the effectiveness of
these two treatments in either the large or small plots; that the infesta-
tion in the snall plots was delayed about 2 weeks in reaohing approxinately
that of the untreated plots and 3 weeks in the big plots; and that the
Calcium arsenate-water nixture did not give satisfactory control."

Pink bollworn investigations.--A. J. Chaprian and associates at the
Presidio, Tex., station, report that bloom infestation counts were made at

3-day intorvals during June in 12 fields. The counts in these fields
showed a slightly higher infestation than the same fields last year. There
was a wide spread in the infestation in the individual fields depending
upon the cultural treatment during the past winter. The fields that were
heavily pastured showed a mich lower infestation than fields that were not
pastured. The emergence of native parasites in hibernation cages showod
a larger parasite population for 1937 than for previous years. This was
probably due to the omission of field clean-up in 1936. Microbracon nel-
litor Say (Hawaiian strain) was the only imported species recovered fron
the hibernation material. Collections of pink bollworms in cotton bloons
were made the latter part of June in an attormpt to recover the introduced
species released last year. Thus far only native species have emerged
from these collections. Tests were conducted under a large field cage to
deternine the effects of different winter plowing and irrigation treat-
nents on pink bollwornm survival. The cage is divided into three sections

=26u

which permits three cultural tests to be conducted simultaneously. The
pink bollworm survival or carry-over in the different treatnents was de=-
termined by making daily bloom infestation counts during June. This.
season's results were the same as the results from sinilar treatments last
year. Early winter plowing without a winter irrigation showed the lowest.
survival, early winter plowing followed by a winter irrigation showed the
next lowest survival, and late winter plowing showed the highest survival.
These results were contrary to the results from sinilar treatnents in the
hibernation experinent. The conflict in the records in the two experi-
ments was attributed to the higher noisture content of the soil under the
field cage. Due to the lower evaporation under the cage the early buried
material was exposed to a soil with a higher moisture content than the
material with sinilar treatment in the hibernation oxperinent. The fact
that there was a lower survival under the cage in the early winter buried
treatment than in the early winter buried and irrigated treatment suggests
that survival might be influenced by soil moisture conditions. The dis-
integration of the infested bolls would be dependent upon the nicrofloral
activity in the soil which would in turn be influenced by the soil
moisture. There was an earlier moth emergence from the hibernation experi-
ment this year than the past 2 years. The peak of the energence this year
cane during the last half of April while in the 2 preceding years it cane
during the first half of May. The survival from the various cultural treat-
nents followed the sane trend as the 2 preceding years. In every instance
winter burial followed by a winter irrigation decreased the survival over
winter burial without a winter irrigation. The earlier in the winter that
the infested naterial was buried and watered the lower the survival, and
the earlier in the winter the material was buried and not watered the
higher the survival. Depth of burial also greatly influenced the survival,
since 62 percent of the emergence came from the 2-inch depth, 29 percent
from the 4-inch depth, ond 9 percent from the 6-inch depth. The tine of
application of a spring irrigation influenced the time of emergence as .
well as the rate of emergence. An early spring irrigation stimulated an
early energence, whereas a late spring irrigation delayed the energence.
The rate of energence was much faster from the late spring watering than
from the early spring watering. It required only 5 weeks after the water
was applied for 95 percent of the moths to emerge from the April 20 irri-
gation, while it required 10 weeks for a sinilar percentage to energe fron
the March 10 irrigaticn. The difference in the rate of emergence was due
to temperature. In April the temperature was favorable for worm activity
while in March the temperature was unfavorable. Twelve varieties are being
tested this year for their resistance to pink bollworm attack. The
varieties were planted on April 5, and tho first bloom was noted on Delfos
531B June 5, or 61 days after planting. All of the varieties had bloomed
by June 9. Bloom infestation counts during June showed that D &PL &l2-2l
had a lower infestation than Delfos 719 and 389x1l0~22 which were located
on adjoining rows. While this would indicate that D&PL $12-21 had shown
some resistance, it was thought that it was probably due to the fact that
the moths preferred the adjoining varietics since they produced a larger
number of blooms. The bloom records indicate a heavier infestation in the
variety field this year than last year. An experiment was installed to de-=
termine the effects of withholding the first irrigation following planting
on the development and maturity of the crop. Three irrigation dates were

used in the test, 30, 45, and 60 days after planting, From the appearance
of the cotton during June, 45 days following planting seemed to be the

— optinum tine for applying water under the conditions of this experinent.

PINK BOLLWORM AND THURBERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

Harvesting of the new cotton crop.--A total of 1,872 bales of cotton
had been ginned in the lower Rio Grande Valley district at the close of

June. The drought which this area experienced in the late spring and early
summer resulted in the premature opening of a considerable amount of cotton.
Cotton pickers are plentiful, and the price for picking ranges from 40
cents to 65 cents per hundred pounds. This is, of course, the only area

in all the United States in which cotton was harvested during June, with
the exception of a few bales in the Corpus Christi section of Texas.

Vehicular inspection.--The vehicular-inspection statim was opened on
the principal highway loading out of the lower Rio Grande Valley on June 22,
This station is operated on a 24-hour basis, and serves to prevent the move-
ment of cotton products out of the area which night be moving in violation
of the pink bollwornm quarantine. A nunber of small lots of green bolls,
open bolls, and even entire cotton plants with bolls, were intercepted at
this station in the few days it operated in June. A road patrol is operated
for the purpose of covering secondary roads leading out of the area, which
are not in good enough condition to be used by commercial truckers. Oc-=
casionally cotton pickers and others do travel these secondary roads, mak-
ing it necessary to naintain a close supervision over the traffic on such
roads. Road patrols are still being operated on all of the highways lead-
ing out of the Panhandle district of Texas and New Mexico. Vory few vio-
lations of the quarantine have been noted by the roac patrol operating in
that area.

Laboratory inspection.--A considerable quantity of sea-island cotton
bolls was collected during the fall of 1937 and placed in preservative
for later exanination in the laboratory. About 90 percent of these bolls
were brought to San Antonio for examination, which has now been completed
with negative results. The other 10 percent are in process of being ex—
anined in the laboratory at Miani, Fla. hose bolls examined at San An-
tonio showed a wide range in boll wecvil infestation, as bolls collected in
sone sections of Georgia anc northern Florida were lightlyinfested by the
boll weevil, while bolls fron othor sections showed relatively heavy boll
weevil infestation.

VWild-cotton eradication.--Field work in connection with the wild-
cotton eradication program cane to a close during June. It will be resuned
in late October. Excellent progress has been made toward final eradication
of wild-cotton plants in Florida and the pink bollworn infestxtion has been
reduced to a very low percentage. The exanination of 29,500 wild-cotton
bolls collected south of Naples along the west coast, in the Ten Thousand

slands section, in the Cape Sable area, and on the Florida Keys, resulted
in only 10 specinens of the pink bollworn being subnitted for identification.
Inspection of bolls during the active season along the west const of Florida

meee

north of Naples was negative. This considerable reduction of pink boll-
worm infestation in wild cotton south of Naples and the negative findings
north of Naples is of considsrable importance due to the fact that sea-
island cotton is now being growm in Florida as far south as Manatee County,
in which the pink bollworn fornerly existed in wild cotton.

Thurberia plant eradication.--Despite extrenely hot weather ond the
rough country in which tho crows had to operate, the morale of the W. P. A.

workers engaged in this activity remained at a high level. An average of
68 laborers were employed in this activity throughout the month of June,
covering 2,240 acres and locating and destroying 5,956 Thurberia plants.

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Flowering of hot-water-—treated imported bulbs.--As a result of ecx-
tensive surveys during the spring of 1938 in the States of North Carolina,
Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington, by the staffs
of the Beltsville, Md., Babylon, N. Y., and Surmer, Wash., laboratcries, in
fields where imported narcissus and other flowering bulbs were planted that
had been given the prescribed hot-water treatment during the fall of 1937,
it was found that in general the flowering performance of these hot-water-—-
treated imported stocks was satisfactory enough to permit the sale of the
flowers in the majority of instances. A reduction in the potential flower
crop was evident in some fields, This was manifested either in the form of
"blind" buds, or the stems and buds wero killed outright. This condition
was more narked in some varieties than in others. The imported bulbs seemed
to flower better than did sinilarly treated donestic bulbs. The indications
are that the Poetaz types suffered more from the treatnent than did the
trumpet types. . In the former the nunber of florets peri stem was reduced and
in sone instances the size of the individual floret was below normal. In
the trumpet types the injury was nore visible than in the Foctaz types and
ranged fron complete "blindness" to nearly perfect flowers. In general it
wes found that the least injury was evident in the bulbs which had received
an early treatment. The growth of the planted bulbs was satisfactory in
the majority of instances and the indications are that a satisfactory incre-
nent will result. The foliage showed various types of injury ranging fron
spotting to severe roughening of the leaf surface. It is not known at
this tine what effect, if any, the injury to the foliage will have on vege-
tative increase. It appears that successful flowering performance of the
imported hot-water—treated bulbs during 1938 was due principally to the ex-
cellent well-cured and dormant condition of the inported bulbs when they
arrived in this country and at the tine of treatment. It is assumed that
if the foreign growers and shippers can deliver sinilar well-cured and dor-
nant stocks each year, equally good flowering anc. growth will result, pro-
vided weather conditions are favorable.

Species of insects found on sugar beets grown for seed in the South-
west.—0. A. Hills and his associates at the Phoenix, Ariz., laboratory,
report that surveys made during April, May, and June, 1938, in fields of
sugar beets grown for seed in the Salt River Valley of Arizona, as well as
in certain areas of New Mexico and California, have disclosed that, in
addition to the beet leafhopper (Eutettix tenellus (Bak.)), the following

-

“oan

potentially economic species of insects were present in the fields: (1) Two

closely related species of the tarnished plant bug (Lygus pratensis oblini-
atus Say and L. hesperus Knight); (2) the false chinch bug (Nyzus ericae
(Schilling)); (3) the small plant bugs (Thyanta brevis Van Duzee and T.
eustator (Fabr.)); and (4) Say's plant bug (Chlorochroa sayi Stahl). With
the exception of T. brevis, it seems doubtful, judging from observations
made thus far, that any of these latter-named species occurred in sufficient
abundance to cause appreciable economic damage. In the Mesa-Chandler area
of the Salt River Valley of Arizona, Tf. brevis apparently migrated into the
fields of seed beets during the month of May and may have been numerous
enough to cause some damage to seed germination, although no injury was su-
perficially apparent. Further studies are being made to determine the
economic status of the species of insects found on seed beets.

liibernation studies of the tobacco flea beetle in South Carolina.--As
a result of studies on the hibernation of the tobacco flea beetle (Epitrix
parvula (F.)) in South Carolina, Norman Allen, of the Florence, S. C., labe
oratory, reports that in a series of hibernation cages started during the
fall of 1937, which were designed to test the status of plain loose soil,
leaves and debris, broomsedge, Spanish moss, and tobacco stalks and leaves
as hibernation media for the flea beetle, it was disclosed that there was
a range of survivel in these media which extended from 3.5 to 29.0 percent,
with an average for all of the media of 10.46 percent. The highest sur-
vival of the flea beetles obtained was in plain loose soil and the lowest
survival was recorded in the tobacco stalks and leaves. Statistically, how-
ever, there was no significant difference between the survival attained with
the different hibernation media enunerated. Examination of the cages dur-
ing the spring season showed that the omergence of the flea beetle fron hi-
bernation began at least as early as February 10; that it continued through
April 23; that the peak of emergence occurred during the period from March
16 to 27; and that the majority of the flea beetles had eherged by the tine
field transplanting of tobacco was well under way, coinciding with results
obtained in similar hibernation studies conducted in 1937.

Tolerance of tomato plants to cortain insecticides.--Laboratory tests
perforned by Joseph Wilcox, of the Alhambra, Calif., laboratory, in con-

nection with investigations on the control of the tonato fruit worm (Ielio-
this obsoleta (F.)), showed that hydrated lime was safer to use as a diluent
for paris green than talc on tonato foliage. It was shown also that mix-
tures of cryolite and calcium arsenate with tale (50-30-20) might cause sone
degree of burning to the tomato plant, but additional tests are necessary in
order to deternine this point definitely. This combination, if it could be
used safely in the field, would have a distinct field of usefulness as a
three-fold insecticide for the control of the tomato fruit worn, the tomato
Pinvorn (Gnorimoschena lycopersicella (Busck)), and the hornworns (Protoparce
spp.). These tests showed further that a poison bait mixture consisting of
25 pounds of corn meal and 1 pound of calciun salt of dinitro-cyclohexyl
Phenol was apparently -not safe to use on tomato folinge, whereas a poison
bait nixture consisting of 25 pounds of corn neal and 1 pound of paris green
Caused burning to the foliage but was rendered safe for the purpose by the
addition of 1 pound of hydrated line to the formla.

cous

Effective dilutions of cryolite and cuprous cyanide against the to-
nato pinworn determined.—-J. C. Hlmore, of the Alharibra, Calif., labora-
tory, reports that laboratory tests on potted tomato plants against the
tomato pinworm denonstrated that the toxicity of a commonly used brand of
natural cryolite to this insect increased as the dilutions were increased
fron 10 percent to 60 percent. At a 10-percent dilution 69 percent of the
pinworm larvae were killed, whereas at the 40-percent dilution 97 percent
of the pinworm larvae perished. There was a distinct levoling-off of the
nortality curve at the 40-percent dilution. The toxicity of cuprous cya-
nide to the tomato pinwori larvae also increased at progressive dilutions
of 5, 10, 15, 20, anc 30 percent. At strengths below 30 percent, the
tomato pinwormn nortality was less than 90 percent of the individuals
tested. Copper cyanamid and sulphur nitride (0.5 percent) were relatively
ineffective against G. lycopersicella larvae in these tests.

Duration of the toxicity of cube dust nixtures to the tobacco flea
beetle on shade-grown tobacco.—-F. S. Chanberlin, of the Quincy, Fla., lab
oratory, reports that results of recent experiments designed to deternine
the duration of the toxicity of a cube dust nixture containing 1 percent
of rotenone to the tobacco flea beetle (Epitrix parvula (F.)) on shade-
grown tobacco have shown that the toxicity of this dust mixture to the in
sect decreases very rapidly under shade-grown tobacco conditions. In the
presence of the nost favorable weather conditions the effectiveness of a
light application of the cube dust mixture is linited to approxinately 3
days but apparently the toxic action occurring on the third day after appli-
cation is relatively slight. Showers evidently remove much of the cube
dust mixture from tobacco foliage and render such applications ineffective.
It is believed that this mechanical loss by the action of rain is one of
the most important factors limiting the effectiveness of cube dust nixture
for flea beetle control in the Florida region. Applications of cube dust
nixtures nade to shade-grown tobacco by the "drift" method when the foliage
is moist with dew appeared to be more effective against the flea beetle
than when the treatments are applied to dry foliage. The above results
were obtained and conclusions drawn from experiments wherein the method of
procedure consisted of confining a definite number of: tobacco flea beetles
with leaf discs cut fron the treated foliage at various intervals and de-
termining the percentage of the resulting flea beetle mortality.

Chloropicrin not effective as a fumigant for the cigarette beetle in
stored tobacco.=--—W. D. Reed, of the Richmond, Va., laboratory, reports that

the results of an experinent completed during the period June 10 to 27,
with chloropicrin for the atmospheric fumigation of 238 bales of cigar
filler tobacco at a dosaze of 4.4 pounds of the liquid per 1,000 cubic feet
of space, with an exposure of 72 hours, disclosed that this funigant not
only was ineffective in attaining satisfactory mortality of wellegrown lar-
vae of the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne (F.)) in the tobacco
bales but that it required a period of iy days after the funigation was cone
pleted to acrate the tobacco sufficiently for removal, during which tine
the ventilating system in the fumigating chamber was operated for a total
of 71 hours. The temperature of the tobacco at the start of the fumigation
period was 75° F., and during the tine required for aeration of the tobacco,

~25.

the temperature ranged fron 66° to abe In test lots of cigarette beetle
larvae placed in the air space between the stacked bales of tobacco, a
mortality of 100 percent was obtained. In the lots placed in test spikes
at depths ranging fron 1¢ to 94 inches in the tobacco bales, a satisfactory
nortality was not obtained, since it ranged from 24.4 to 34.3 percent in
the test insects as compared to 24.8 percent in the check lots of larvae
kept under similar conditions throughout the duration of the test.

INSECTS AFFECTING MAN AND ANIMALS

Funigation of clothing for killing ticks.—~As a result of numerous

inquiries concerning methods of de-ticking clothing worn by hikers or
others having occasion to traverse tick-infested territory, a series of
tests was made in the Washington laboratory. Using a 30=-pound lard can as
a funigating chamber it was found that 100-percent nortality in unengorged
Dermacentor variabilis (Say) placed among clothing in the chamber occurred
when one teaspoonful of either carbon disulphide or carbon tetrachloride
was exposed in the charber for 8 hours with the lid of chamber sealed with
adhesive tape. J. M. Brennan, J. L. Wobb, and ii. L. Trembley collaborated
in making the tests.

Effect of Bonneville Dan on nosquito prevalence.-—Il. H. Stage, of the

Portland, Oreg., station, reports an interesting observation made at the
mouth of Wind River, Wash.: "Previous to this season Aedes vexans Meig. and
A. aldrichi Dyar and knab have been abundant in the vicinity of the State
Fish lNatchery. Large willow flats were situated not far away but no longer
exist because they are now flooded by the permanent lake formed by closing
the gates at Bonneville Dam. As was expected, this area has ceased to
function as a mosquito breeder and definite information has been obtained
regarding the few numbers of mosquitoes from Bonneville Dam to The Dalles,
certain sections of which had heretofore been seriously annoyed by the
pests."

Cashew nutshell oil vs. mosquitoes.--Mr. Stage further reports: "Sev-
eral tests, both in the laboratory and in the field, show this oil to be

highly toxic and certainly a promising new material. Sprays were made up
of this material with 95 percent kerosene and also with 95 percent Diesel
oil and under severe field conditions. From 85-percent to 95—percent kills
were obtained when applied at the rate of 12.5 gallons per acre of water
surface,"

Mosquito control on T. V. A. reservoirs.—~As a member of the Board of

Malaria Consultants, T. VY. A., W. V. King attended a conference on malaria
control operations in the Tennessee River impounded areas, at Sheffield
and Decatur, Ala., during the week of June 27. Three days were spent in-~
specting Anopheles breeding conditions and control problems on Pickwick,
Wheeler, and Wilson reservoirs. On the Pickwick and Wilson reservoirs he
reports that effective control is maintained at a ninimum expense by con-
trolled fluctuations in the water level, thus avoiding Anopheles breeding
in vegetation along the shore line. In the large Wheeler Lake, which was
impounded early in 1937, effective control has been maintained in the upper
and lower portions, but in the central portion where extensive flats are

ee

—26—

covered. with shallow water, the control problem has proved to be extrenely
aifficult.

Screwvorn infestation in wild aninals.--A. W. Lindquist, of the
Uvalde, Tex., station, reports that during the first half of June a rather
complete survey was made in Edwards, Kimble, Kerr, Gillespie, Mason,
Bandera, and Real Counties to determine as nearly as possible the part
played by wild animal life in building up Cochlionyia americana Cushing and
Patton population. This work was carricd out by contacting ranchnen, gane
wardens, and other interested people, and by making observations and counts
of infested wild aninals, especially deer, in areas. It was determined
that approxinatcly 20 percent of tho adult deer becone infested during, the
average season, and that 20 to 60 percent of the fawns become infested. By
actual count while in the area, it was indicated that approxinately 3 to 4
percent of the deer were infested. It was indicated that there is a high
death loss in deer, and also in rabbits. The nost valuable information ob-
tained was the reports of people owming rabbit dogs that rabbits with screw
worn infestations usually would hide in burrows or hole up in other places
and would not be found unless they were hunted with dogs. These people re=
ported that a high percentage of both cottcntails and jack rabbits were in-
fested with screwworms during most years.

Sand fly repellent.--J. B. Ilull, of the Savannah, Ga., laboratory,
reports that tests were continued the last quarter on the pyrethrun and
oil mixtures for protection of man while outdoors. This mixture was first
used when farmers on Wilmington Island, near Savannah, complained of sand
flies annoying their farm animals to such an extent that it was impossible
to work the aninals in the early morning and late afternoons. Samples of
the mixture, that is, 1 part pyrethrun extract #20 to 20 parts of lubri-
cating oi] (about 5 S.A.E.) were supplied to these farmers with instruc-
tions to spray the aninal lightly, covering the outer hair only, so as to
avoid any chance of burning or overheating the aninal. All reports fron
farners using this formule have been very encouraging. By spraying the
animal in the carly morning, at noon, and at night the farm animals have
shown little annoyance from sand flies. These tests led to the use of the
sane nixture for personal control. They reported that by applying such a
nixture they wore not annoyed by sand fly bites for at least 4 hours. The
following report was received from a group of men working in an extremely
bad sand fly section: "The mixture was applicd when sand flies were biting
very bads after an application of the oil no bites wore experienced; but
the men had almost becone black from the sand flies that had been killed
while attempting to bite." The above report is approxinetely the same as
received from all using the nixture.

Protection of outdoor gathering from mosquitoes.--A successful test
of the efficiency of the New Jersey larvicide in protecting outdoor gather-
ings from mosquitoes was nade by J. L. Webb, of the Washington office, on
the evening of June 23 at Landover, Md. Approximately 100 people--nen,
women, and children--grouped at a garden party were kept free from mosquito
annoyance up to 11 pen. by using the larvicide according to Dr. Ginsburg's
published directions. An area approximately 25 yards square was protected
by the use of 33 gallons of larvicide spray.

=P {T-

Motion picture of housefly biology.--Ray Fernstrom, cameraman for
Scientific Films, Inc., Hollywood, Calif., a branch of Paramount Pictures,

Inc., spent June 12 at the Dallas laboratory of the Bureau, making a ©
colored film of the biology of the housefly and of this laboratory's method
of testing fly sprays.

FORSIGN PLANT QUARANTINES

Trunkful of contraband.——A large trunk from the Madeira Islands was
inspected at New York on July 2, 1937. In the trunk were tho following:
Twelve loquats, 44} passion fruits, 4 pounds of grapes, 14 pricklypears, 9
plums, 1 orange, 1 stem of bananas, 3 pounds of green banana leaves, 1
Tillandsia plant, 31 nodes of sugarcane, 20 pounds of sweetpotatoes, 19
fern plants, and 3 lily bulbs. Among the insects taken wore 14 living lar-
vae of the Mediterranean fruitfly in 5 loquats.

Entomological interceptions of interest.--Two larvae of the Medi-
terranean fruitfly (Ceratitis capitata Wa.) were intercepted at Boston on
March 16 in an apple in ship's stores from Australia. Larvae of the papaya
fruitfly (Toxotrypana curvicauda Gerst.) were intercepted at Miami, Fla.,
on April 1 in a papaya fruit in baggage from Cuba. An adult of the weevil
Naupactus xanthographus Germ. was taken at New Orleans on March 10 on a
€rape in cargo from Argentina, The scale insect Leucaspis podocarpi Green
was intercepted at Honolulu, Hawaii, on September 21, 1937, on Podocarpus
nivalis in cargo from New Zealand. <A living specimen of the cicadellid
Nesosteles neglectus (DeL. & D.) arrived at Brownsville, Tex., on February

on a gardenia in cargo from Mexico. Two living adults of the weevil
Diaprepes abbreviatus spengleri L. were collected on April 35 on a grape-
fruit tree in the field at Rio Piedras, P. R. Two living specimens of the
mnirid Eurycipitia vestitus Dist. were intercepted at San Francisco on April
23 on an orchid (Oncidiun cavendishianun) in cargo fron Guatemala. The
scale insect Parlatoria viridis Fuller was found at Philadelphia on March 2
on palm foliaze in ship's furnishings fron Australia. Fourteen living
adults of the bruchid Acanthoscelides armitagei (Pic.) were taken at Wash-
ington, D. C., on May 2 in pigeonpeas (Cajanus indicus) in the mail fron
tho Canal Zone. A larva of the Asiatic rice borer (Chilo simplex Butler)
arrived at Detroit, Mich., on March 8 in rice straw packing in cargo fron
France. Fifteen weevil larvae (Apion sp. probably A. carduorun Kirby) were
intercepted at New York on April 7 in nmidribs of leaves of cardoon (Cynara
cardunculus) in ship's stores fron Italy.

Pathological interceptions of interest.--Aphelenchoides linberi Steiner

was intercepted in dahlias from Germany on February 15 at Washington. (See
note in the News Letter for Decenber 1936, p. 26.) Bacterium vesicatoriun
Doidge was intercepted on peppers fron Brazil at Jacksonville on May 18.
Botrytis allii hi. T.. Munn was intercepted in onions from Spain June 4 at
New York. Cephalosporium sacchari Butl. was intercepted for the first tine
since 1922, on sugarcane in baggage from Mexico in May at Brovwnsville.
Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kuhn) Filipjov was intercepted from Uruguay for the
first tine June 23 at New York, the host being garlic. Fusicladiun de-
pressun (B. & Br.) Sacc. was found on fennel stens from Italy at New York
July 1. Glocosporiun leguninun Cke. was again intercepted on nesqvite beans

=—23—

in baggage from Mexico, June 15, at Brownsville. Lophodernium juniperinun
(Fr.) DeNot was intercepted for the first time May 27 at Boston on juniper
in mail from Sweden. Phragnotrichun chailletii Kze. was intercepted at New
York May 6 on Picea excelsa cones in baggage frou Germany. Phyllachora tri~
folii (Pers,) Fckl. was found on clover leaves in baggage from Italy June 17
at New York. Phyllosticta auerswaldii Allesch, first interception, was
found in baggage from Germany June 2 at New York on leaves of Buxus semper-—
virens. Puccinia arenariae (Schun.) Wint. was found on Stellaria media in
baggage from Italy May 25 at New York, Puccinia buxi D. C. was intercepted
on box leaves in mail from France May 24 at Chicago. Septoria stellariae
Rob. & Desm. was intercepted for the first time May 25 on Stellaria nedia

in baggage from Italy at New York. Tylenchus filiformis Butschli was inter-
cepted for the second tine June 3, at New York, on . Aroucaria excelsa roots
in baggage from Germany.

DOMESTIC PLANT QUARANTINES

Grasshopper bait supplied exceeds ege-survey estimates.--As of July le,

the total bait material equivalent available to’ the grasshopper-infested
States had.reached 187,222 tons, exceeding the survey estinate by almost
9,000 tons. Heaviest excess demands for bait cane from Colorado, New Mexico,
North Dakota, and Wisconsin, The former two States excecded expectations

on account of aggressive campaigns against D. longipennis.

2

from Iowa indicated Less probable Grasshopper infestation than was predicted
from egg-survey reports. As-a result, that State relinquished one-half of
its quota of about 20,000 tons of bait materials. Five thousand tons of
this bait was reallocated to North Dakota, where the actual infestation exe
ceeded survey predictions. By July 12, only approximately one-half of this
5,000 tons of bait hac been requested by the State leader, despite reports
of severe hopper damage in some sections,

Grasshopper infestation heavy in North Dakota.--Zarly July reports

Aggressive grasshopper control program in loncipennis area,—-In the
longipennis ava of Colurado, the participation of farm operators in the con=
trol caapeign is reported to be between 70 and 90 percent. W. P. A. crews
have been used on spreaders, apparently very efficiently., A most encouraging
report from New Mexico indicates that 5 to 95 percent of hoppers (D. longi-
pennis) which hatched in that area have been controlled as of July 2.

drayn + 4.0m of farneys from baiting operations in Kanses, Nebraska,
Oklahona, and West Texas. It is anticipated that further denands for bait
will be fortheoming from these farm operators after harvest for protection
of corn, hay, and forage crops.

Mormon crickets damage range grass, trees, and shrubs.—-The most con=

se eee

tal

spicuous cenage observed in ldaho was the severe Gefoliation of Lupine, Al-
filaria, end Arrowleaf Balsamroot. The destruction of seeds of nany species
of range grasses is evident in all areas in idaho and Nevada, where crickets
occur in numbers, and in some areas the plants are cropped close to the
ground by crickets. Injury to trees and shrubs is also evident.

——

a5

Mornon cricket progran indicates local eradication possible.--Trenendous

kills have been secured in sone areas of Wyoning and Montana by various con-
trol operations. Unusual weather conditions have kept crickets bunched and
available materials, equipment, and labor at the critical time has enabled
control crews to do unusually effective work in the concentrated infested
areas. :

Mormon crickets begin egglaying.~-In Oregon, Utah, and Washington, cgé-
laying began in late June in the nore advanced areas while at the sane tine,

at higher elevations, crickets were in the fifth instar. In Wyoming numerous
hynenopterous egg parasites were present where heavy egg deposits occurred.

Predators assist Mormon cricket control.—Aside from sodium arsenite _
dust, oiled ditches and strearns, and metal barriers, the Mormon crickets are
having their own troubles with parasites, predators, and cannibalism. Crows,
curlews, blackbirds, hawks, sea gulls, meadowlarks, ground squirrels, and
prairie dogs have been observed to feed on these pests. Smaller birds have
been observed in attacks on Mornon crickets, but the larger birds appear to
have much better success. In areas where grasshopper control overlaps the
cricket control program, dead Mormon crickets have been found where grass-
hopper poison had been spread.

Calcium arsenate effective against the white~fringed beetle.--Calciun
arsenate dust has been used rather extensively in the program which is being

conducted in infested areas in Alabama, Florida, Lovisiana, and Mississippi

to control the white-fringed beetle. Results obtained to date show that al-
most complete kills on rather extensive areas have been made. Weather con-

ditions have been unusually favorable for the use of poison dust since

there has been very little rainfall in affected areas.

Results of white-frinced beetle survey.—-As a result of an extensive
survey which is being conducted in lmown infested and nearby States, infes-—

tations have been discovered at a point approximately 20 niles east of New

Orleans, at DeLisle, Miss., and at Moss Point, Miss., where about 640 acres

are involved, at Gulfport, Miss., where a closely related species of Nav-
pactus had previously been reported, at Mobile, Ala., noar the Mobile &

Ohio yards, and in a location in Alabama approximately 60 miles distant fron
the Florala infested area. States to which shipments of nursery stock had

| been consigned from infested nurseries in Louisiana and Mississippi are co-

operating in the survey by inspecting such shipnents and the environs where
Planted. No infestations have been reported to date,

Peach mosaic nursery and budwood environs inspection.--In conformity
with State quarantine requiretients relative to nursery and budwood environs

inspection, this environs inspection work has been completed. Mosaic-
infected trees were found within the lenile radius of several nurseries or
budding wood sources.

Peach mosaic symptonless carrier trees renoved.~-In Arizona, 7. P. A.
workers are worling on the removal of a plun orchard of 3,000 trees in Mari-

copa County. Research work conducted in infected arcas indicates that cer-
tain varieties of plums are symptonless carriers of peach nosaic. In

eee | -30-

Colorado, in the heavily infected area of Mesa County, all plum trees
were grafted with healthy peach scions, which stand as permanent indica-.
tors of the health of tho plum trees.

Peach mosaic infested area extended.--Peach mosaic has been found in
the peach-growing area of Delta County, Colo. This finding was incidental
to nursery and budwood environs inspection and involves another concen-
trated and rather extensive peach-growing county. In the July 1, 1933,
issue of the Bureau's News Letter, peach mosaic was reported fron Woods
County, Okla. This report has been found to be erroneous,

Nurserymen move plantings from phony peach areas.-~Nursery environs

inspection for phony peach disease has been completed in Alabama, Arkansas,
Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Growers and nurserymen are taking a
keen interest in the work. A good many nurserymen are locating their nur-
series away from peach-growing areas and cities and towns, which will
assist materially in nursery environs inspections in future.

Transit inspection.—-With the passing of the nursery stock shipping
season, transit inspection activities are being largely directed to in-
spection of fruits and vegetables to determine compliance with the Japanese
beetle quarantine.

Motion pictures of pest control.~-The Office of Motion Pictures of
thd Departnent is naking films of control operations being carried on
agoinst grasshoppers, Mornon crickets, and the white-fringed beetle. These.
pictures will also feature the life history and habits of these pests
throughout the season. Films will be available for educational purposes
when completed.

CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

Hunidity has important effect on efficiency of nicotine funigation,--
In stucies on nicotine fumigation in greenhouses, H. H. Richardson and J. W.

Bulger, of the Beltsville, Md., laboratory, have found relative hunidity to
be very important in its effect on efficiency, corroborating earlier work
on a laboratory basis. Manufacturers! recommendations to the contrary, nor-
tality was definitely higher under dry than under moist conditions. Analy-
ses of the nicotine concentrations by Mrs. R. L. Busbey, of the Division of
Insecticide Investigations, indicated higher nicotine concentrations avail-
able under the dry conditions. The indications were that most all the toxic
action of a nicotine fumigation takes place in the first hour, the results
being practically equal to those obtained in an overnight exposure.

INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS
Statistics on the consumption of insecticides and fungicides in the

United States for 1936.--Statistics on the consumption of insecticides and
fungicides in the United States for 1936 have been published by R. C. Roark

(Chenical Industries, vol. 42, no. 6, part 1, pp. 636, 637, 639, June, 1938).

In that year 44,000,000 pounds of lead arsenate, 45,000,000 pounds of cal-
cium arsenate, and 3,000,000 pounds of paris green were consumed. Imports

of pyrethrum flowers during the first 11 nonths of 1937 broke all previous
records, amounting to about 18,000,000 pounds. In 1936, 510,337 pounds of
derris and 1,829,056 pounds of Babs were imported. The consumption of
practically all inesctieldes and fungicides has increased greatly during
the last 20 years.

Evaluating derris and cube.--H. A. Jones, of the Division of Insecti-.
cide Investigations, and W. N. Sullivan, of the Division of Control Inves-
tigations, have published a paper on evaluating derris and cube (Jour. Econ.
Ent., vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 400-405, June 1938). They found chloroform to be
the best solvent for the toxic constituents of these roots.

Particle size of insecticidal sulfurs.--L. D. Goodhue (Jour. Econ.
Bnt., vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 410-414, June 1938) has reported on the particle
size of commercial insecticidal sulfurs as determined by sedinentation
analysis. Forty-four samples were analyzed. The flotation pastes and sus-—
pensions of colloidal sulfur were found to contain the nost fine material.
The percentage of material passing a 325=mesh sieve was found to give very
little indication of the amount of very fine sulfur in a sample.

BEE CULTURE

Alun lead arsenate apparently nore dangerous to honeybees than plain
lead arsenate spray nixture.--George II. Vansell, of the Pacific States Bee

Culture Field Laboratory, reports that an interesting statement concerning
a change in the effect on bees from spray practice was made by Thomas Davis,
at Courtland, who lives in the area where he produces package bees and
queens for market. The statenent was to the effect that the growers of
pears (and apples) are using an alum lead arsenate spray nixture. This
practice was begun in 1930 in view of the better control of the large cod-
ling noth larvae. The action of the alum is supposed to be one of
stringency within the alimentary tract, causing the worms to retain the
poison which nornally is passed out as a result of the irritation from the
arsenic. Tho main point of the note here is that from the beginning of
the tine of the spray the poisoning of noneybees has been severe, while
previous to this time very little injury was in evidence. The situation
has becone so serious that the apiaries of the Davis Bros. will probably
soon be removed from the area.

Use of fenugreck as a cover crop in orchards potentially dangerous to
honeybees.~-lir, Vansell also reports that the use of fenugreek has also in-

creased sharply during the past several years. This crop is grow in-~
mediately under the trees and with the blossoms standing upright, making an
ideal set-up for receiving the spray material dropping from the trees. This
plant is very attractive to honeybeos, as a source of nectar, as shown by
refractoneter records available from Dovis, Calif., in March 1936. Tho
average concentration was 32.9 percent sugar. No pollen activity has been
noted on fenugreek.

ed

=522
INSECT IDENTIFICATION

New coleopterous larval material received.—-Because of the wide gaps
in the series of known coleopterous larvae, it is always of particular
interest to secure larval material which, through careful rearing, has
been definitely associated with adult specimens and can be positively iden-
tified. Through J. F. Cooper, of the Division of Fruit Insect Investiga~
tions, it has been possible to obtain larvae known to be Phyllophaga gracilis —
angulata Glasgow and Anomala ninuta Burn., neither of which was previously
represented in the Museum larval collection. Larvae of Conotrachelus flori-
danus Fall, definitely determinable as the result of rearing work conducted
by an inspector of the Mexican Department of Agriculture in cooperation with ~
the Brownsville office of the Division of Foreign Plant Quarantines, have also |
been received. Larvae and adults of this species had not previously been
associated.

Occurrence of an injurious European lepidopteron in Canada.-~Specinmens
recently received fron J. McDunnough, of the Canadian Entomological Branch, |
have been identified by August Busck as Lamprionia rubidella Bjerkander. ‘The 7]
insect was reported as doing serious injury to raspberry near Fredrickton,
New Brunswick. Apparently this is the first record of the occurrence of
this well-known raspberry pest in America.

Ants injurious to orange foliage.~-Ants determined by M. R. Smith as
Trachymyrnex septentrionalis obscurior var. seninole Whlr., Mononorium mini~
nun (Buckley), and Iridomyrmex pruinosus (Roger) were submitted by Ierbert
Spencer, of the Division of Fruit Insect Investigations, with the report they
had been found feeding on the young leaves of oranges in a grove at Ply-—
nouth, Fla, In the case of the first-nanmed species 8 or 10 trees in a 5-acre
grove were said to have been defoliated.

4A tobacco-infesting hemipteron from Guan.--A mirid, determined by I. G. ~

Barber as Engytatus tenuis (Reuter), was recently taken on tobacco on the > |
island of Guam by R. G. Oakley. This wicely distributed tobacco pest was

not previously knovm to occur there. The species was described in 1895 from —
the Madeira Islands as Cyrtopeltis tenuis. Since that time it has been found |
injuring tobacco in the southern United States, in the West Indies, particu-
larly Cuba and Puerto Rico, and in Central America. W. E. China, of the

British Museun, in discussing the synonymy of this species in the Ann. Mage |
Nat. Hist. 11th Ser., Vol. I, 1938, pp. 6044607, has shown that under various
other names it is widely distributed in the Oriental region, India, Java, etc.

Recent additions to the Diptera collection.—-S, Adler, of the Ilebrew
University, Jerusalem, presented to the Museum, in exchange for some speci-
mens taken on his visit here, 25 specimens of 12 species of Phlebotonus,
all mounted on slides, most of then Palaearctic and most of then new to the
collection. This is a valuable addition since they have been determined by
Dr. Adler, one of the authorities on the genus. The Museum has also re-
ceived fron F. C. Camargo of Brazil 1235 specimens of the genus Anastrepha,
consisting of 16 species, 15 of which wore determined by A. Costa Lina and
1 of which was new to our collection. This collection is of particular in-=
terest and value, since a number of the specimens are’ from the same rearings
as the types of the species.

---000-——

b 4, \ — 3 F
\ ISR
ana STATES

DEPARTMENT OF Bes: Ie UL hi

BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE

NEWS LETTER

VOLUME VY yo. 4
Jeph. 11445

= ge

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

FOR JULY 1938

ee Ee ee EE a A Ee a ce ae a a A A SS

F. C. McDonough

Fred C. McDonough,’field supervisor in insect control, died at the
General Hospital in Clarémont, N.'H., on July 2, 1938, after a short ill-
ness. His wife, Lucy 0. McDonough, and four children, Esther,Fred, Mary,
and John, survive hin,

Mr. McDonough was born in Dover, N. H., on July 26, 1889.. He en-
listed in the 303d Infantry on May 25, 1918, and was transferred to the
18th Infantry on August 1, 1918. He went to France with the latter or-
ganization and served in the front lines in the Toule Sector, the St.
Mihiel Grive, and in the Argonne Forest, where he was gassed. In 1933 he
was decorated with the Order of the Purple Heart, for wounds received in
action,

Mr. McDonough was employed on gypsy moth worls under letter of
authority from November 16, 1912, to July 15, 1927, war service excluded.
He received an appointment as agent on July 16, 1927, and was promoted to
field supervisor in insect control on January 1, 1928.. He was very active
until illness overtook him on June 17, 1938. He was buried with military
honors at Newport, N. H., by the American Legion Posts of Newport and
Claremont.

FRUIT INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Distribution and development of overwintering codling moth larvae,—=
Studies carried on by B. H. Hodgson, of the Vincennes, Ind., laboratory,

indicated that in an old orchard where the trees had never been scraped,
about 92 percent of the overwintering larvae were on the tree, half of
them above 6 feet from the ground. Moths first appeared from the upper
parts of the tree. On the averoge emergence was later from the trunk and
lower parts of the tree and emergence in ground cages closely paralleled
that from the lower parts of the tree. Thirty ground cages covering a
total of about 150 square feet, less than one-fourth the area under the
canopy, trapped a total of 246 moths. Approximately three-fourths of these
had been added by concentrating coarse surface debris in the cages, but
25 energed fron "aphis roots", 17 from mummied apples, 13 from stubble of
underbrush, and 6 from leaves and weed stens,

On

Codling moths lay most eggs on lower part of tree.--In order to
determine where most of the codling moth eggs are laid, E. R. Van Leeuwen,

of the Yakina, Wash., laboratory, and his assistants have examined a
large number of fruit spurs from unsprayed trees. In one instance, exan-
ination was made of about 50 spurs from the upper part and 50 from the
lower part of each of 8 trees of 3 varieties, Bach spur bore an average
of 10 leaves and 1.2 apples. The results of this examination, in terms of
total eggs found, were as follows:

F $ “gs found
Ver tety : Top ¢ Bottom 3 Total
: Number : Number : Number
Jonathan------ : hom ee 60s) sor
ROMO ene eee : Ygner Gell 2) eae09
Winesap~-----~ 3 263 3° Ue7 os: 7ho
Total—=-=—- 0) doles CSOmmsm anos O)

Fewer eggs were deposited on the Winesap trees, which may in part
explain why Winesaps as a rule do not get as wormy as the other two
varieties, Contrary to popular belief, more eggs occurred in the lower
part of the tree than in the upper.

Survival of imported Japanese beetle parasite.--The Japanese beetle
laboratory at Moorestown, li. J., reports having collected a few specimens

of Dexia ventralis Ald., an imported dipterous parasite of the Japanese
beetle, at the only knovm colony of this species in this country, the Tav-
istock golf course in Haddonfield, N. J. This parasite normally has three
generations, the second or.summer generation emerging in the Japanese
beetle area at a tine when the population of host larvae is exceedingly
low. Because of this situation, only. one of the colonies released hereto=
fore has been able to maintain itself, the Tavistock colony, and appar-
ently this colony is barely surviving. However, it has been possible fron
the very few individuals collected to rear up a fairly large anount of
naterial for further colonization at points where it is hoped conditions
will be better adapted for this species, particularly with reference to
availability of host larvac for the summer generation, It is hoped to
place new colonies in an area where both Popillia japonica Newm, and
hative Phyllophaga are present at the same time.in order to determine
whether any of the native species of Phyllophaga will act successfully as
an alternate host for the summer generation of this parasite.

Dichlor-ethyl ether for plum curculio control.--Oliver I. Snapp and

J. R. Thomson, Jr., of the peach-insect laboratory at Fort Valley Ga.,
have completed experinents in cages built over peach trees to obtain data
on the effectiveness of dichlor-ethyl ether against the several stages of
the plum curculio in the soil under peacheorchard conditions. They report
that, although 1,000 plum curculio larvae were placed on the soil under
each of these caged trees during the period April 29 to May 2, all peaches
produced on these trees and harvested in July were free from curculio lar=
vae as a result of dichlor-ethyl ether at the rate of 10 cc per gallon of
water having been used on each square yard of soil against the larvae in l
cage on May 4 and at the rate of 30 ce per gallon of water on each square

-3-

yard of soil against the pupae in another cnge on May 17. Not a single
curculio adult emerged in the cage:where the stronger material was used,
and only nine adults emerged in the cage where the weaker material was
used and these did not cause any wormy peaches.

Flight habits of dermestids.—-Bectles of the fanily Dernestidac are
of common occurrence in stored raisins, probably as scavengers, In 1937 .
leber C. Donohoe, then of the dried-fruit insect laboratory at Fresno,
Calif., found these beetles in raisins to a maximum extent of 900 per ton.
Samples taken from March to June contained none, but they were found in
samples collected fron July to October. Specimens from raisins have in-
cluded species of Trogoderna, Attagenus, and Perinegatoma, provisionally
dsternined by If. S. Barber. Catches taken in a rotary net operated ina
raisin storage yard by Dwight F. Barnes and George EH. Kaloostian, of the
Fresno laboratory, this year have contnined numerous dermestids. Fron
April 14, when’ the net was started, to July 31 the total was 21,645. The
average daily catches were: April, 14; May, 47; June, 127; July, 651. Col-
lections made at intervals of 15 minutes throughout two nights resulted in
the capture of small numbers in the early evening of one night. Sinilar
work during daylight hours showed that these insects flew for the most part
in bright sunlight. Shorteinterval catches on 3 days in July contained
474,669, and 1,597 dermestids. On July 21 a few acre talcen in the net at
an elevation of about 3 feet, when the air temperature was 108° F. in the
shade and 110° F. in the sun. In the intervals shown below, the catches
on that date were: 6:15 a.n. to 8 aen., 763 8315 a.m. to 10 a.n., 283
ie eealiet LO Le Bry Cros icsl5 Poem. FO 2 pum.» SOP csl5 p.m. to, 5650 pulls,

MEXICAN: FRUITFLY CONTROL

Still no Mexican fruitfly in the lower Valley.~-Exactly the same
number of the Mexican fruitflies, namely » were trapped in Laredo in
July as were takon there in June. Repeated inspections of the limited
quantity of pomegranates and late peaches on the trees during this period
have failed to uncover a local larval infestation. No other Anastrepha
ludens were taken in Texas. In Mexico, however, the number of A. ludens
trapped increased slightly in Matamoros to a total of U4, while in Nuevo
Laredo 6 adults were taken. <Apparontly all of these flies emerged in the
border cities of Mexico nnd were trapped there or in Laredo, Tex. No
Mexican fruitfly, adults or larvae, could be found in the lower part of
the Rio Grande Valley in July. Tho results of the 403 collections during
the month are summarized in the following table.

ale.

Specics : Texas : Mexico
Adults H 4 HY
Anastrepha ludens Loew------------- H 66 ; 50
A. serpentina Wied------~---------- : Uy 3 ©)
A. sp. "LW2-2.-_--___-_-_--_-_.___. : 46 3 5
A. sp. not ludens~----------~------- : 63 0
A, pallens Coq--------------------- s.09 470.2 5a
Toxotrypana curvicauda Gerst------- H Cults One
Reta: Sasa eee Se eee 2, DOOSUIE peony
Larvae GWT Tiga ore, hea
A. ludens~----~-----------------~----i O43) 21,004
A. serpentina~-~~~-------~----------~ G3 Ow: 38
A. mombinpraeoptins Sein----------- : 03: 50)
A. sp. not ludens--~-----~--------- 3 Ours 93
Total—---+—-----~---~------_-___ : Ore RSH:
Grand! total-——-+-----=------ sy 63 3 1375

“Trom Laredo, Tex.
CEREAL, AND FORAGE INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Insecticide experiments for control of European corn _borer,.—-On con—
clusion of his 1938 experiments for insecticidal control of the European

corn borer in sweet corn in the Lake States, D. D. Questel, Toledo, Ohio,
reports that ground derris (4 lbs. per 100 gals. water) was the outstand-
ing spray used. With this spray, 97.8 percent of the No. 1 ears in the
treated plots were borer-free, as compared to 68.4 percent in the non-
treated plots, and the borer population in the treated plots was reduced
89.3 percent from that in the nontreated plots. Sprays of synthetic
cryolite (1 1b. per 100 gals. water), calcium fluosilicate (2 lbs. per
100 gals. water), and phenothiazine (4 lbs. per 100 gals. water) also gave
good control and were about equal in their effectiveness. The first two
of these, however, caused severe burning of the corn plants. Both stand-—
ard nicotine tannate (. 0625% nicotine) and Quebracho nicotine tannate |
(.0625% nicotine) sprays were low in ere oa performance in the Ohio
tests. Among the dusts, synthetic cryolite (20%) gave the best control,

Severe Zuropean corn borer infestation in early market sweet corn.—-
A.M. Vance, Toledo, reports that severe damage was caused by the European
corn borer this season to carly market sweet corn in several sections of
the country, as determined by surveys made late in July. A.survey of 25
fields of sweet corn near Toledo showed an average of 1,751 borers per
100 plants, with practically 100 percent of the plants infested. Only 2
of the fields averaged less than 1,000 borers per 100 plants and 6 fields
averaged 2,000 or more borers per 100 plants. Infestation of this in-
tensity was reflected in a decreased demand for sweet corn on the part of
both merchant and consumer and an appreciable price reduction on the
Detroit and Toledo markets. South of Sandusky, Ohio, 8 of the most se-
verely infested fields of sweet corn showed an average of 98 percent plant
infestation and 1,128 borers per 100 plants. Surveys of 10 fields of early

Fm

sweet corn near Cleveland, Ohio, and Detroit, Mich., indicated infesta-
tions of but 66 and 285 borers per 100 plants, respectively. -In New Haven
County, Conn., the corn borer was abundent in early sweet corn, with an
average of 878 borers per 100 plants in 25 surveyed fields in which an
average of 97 percent of the plants were infested. Infested plants observed
during the survey near New Haven contained a minimum of 5 and a maxinum of
18 borers per plant. Through cooperation with the Agricultural Uxperinent
Station at Geneva, N. Y., the Bureau has received data on corn borer infes-
tation in market sweet corn in New York State, showing average populations
of 624, 403, and 272 borers per 100 plants, respectively, in Albany County
(12 fields), Columbia County (8 fields), and Schenectady County. (7 ficlds).

Differentiation between one= and multiple-generation strains of
European corn borer.--K. D. Arbuthnot, New Haven, Conn,, reports that cur-

rent laboratory studies on the genetics of the various strains of the
European corn borer are characterized by continuation of linitations en-
countered previously in crosses of New Haven females and Toledo, Ohio,
Males, no fertile eggs fron this cross having been obtained during the
current.season's observations, The reciprocal cross is made readily and
the reaction of the progeny is similar to that of rearings fron nultiple-
generation (New Waven) stock.’

Inportance of certain sugars and proteins in nutritive requirenents
of European corn borer.--G. T. Bottger, Toledo, reports that laboratory

rearings of corn borer larvae: to establish the nutritive effect of certain
carbohydrate and protein constituents in their dict indicate clearly that
the growth rate of the test larvae was materially increased by the addition
of protein and dextrose to the diet. Also, the more readily digestible
diets are reflected in nore favorable larval responses, particularly in
comparison with diets high in cellulose content. Confirmation of these
interpretations is found in studies of the enzyme complex of the cellular
tissue of the alimentary tract.

Colonization of European corn borer parasites.--W. A. Baker, Toledo,

provides the following summary of releases of corn borer parasites in the
corn borer infested area of the United States in 1938. Material for field
releases was obtained entirely frofi labor-tory breeding programs, except
for one small release of Phacogenes nigridens which was made from naterial
imported fron Italy late in the summer of 1937 and held over in storage

at Moorestown, N. J., to provide optinum synchronization with corn borer
pupae at tine of field release. The numbers of colonies of imported
European corn borer parasites released during the 1938 season were as fole
lows:

:Chelonus an-?Microbracon brevi-:Phacozones ni-:

State snulipas Wesn; cornis Wesn., : idens Wosn. 22° otal
: Namber : 31

Vernont=---==--. : fT? fait - as : ee ay |
Massachusetts-——: 7 ; —~ : C Ces
Connecticut----: 5 H 1 s -- ay Ol
New York------- $ 1 H i : — Pe
New Jersey—---: 6 : 2 : 1 ns)
Maryland—~----- : 1 : te : ee her
Ohio--------- —? 1 $ -- : == he peal 8

Total—-----3 26 ‘ : nl sn

-6-

Huropean corn borer parasites in the Hastern States.--C. A. Clark,
Moorestown, N. J., reports the completion of emergence in the laboratory

from corn borers collected in the field in the fall of 1937 and stored at
the Moorestown laboratory until late in the winter. The following species
of imported parasites appeared during the rearing progran:; Lydella stabu—
lans var. grisescens R. D., Inareolata punctoria Roman, Macrocentrus gin
fuensis Ashn., Chelonus annulipes, and Cremastus flavoorbitalis (Cameron).
The data are foatured by the general development of parasites in the vi-
cinity of Taunton, Mass., at which point all species given above have been
taken, and the rapid build-up of I. punctoria in tho Hartford, Conn., dis-
trict. The extent cf the distributitn of the various parasites is shown
in the following table,

tl Collections producing+—
: aie Cyemmins :Labro=

\ > Col- cL. gri-: I, 3 iM, ; C. sflavo-:Bassus: rychus
are slectionstsescenstpunc— 3: gi- % annu-: orbi-tagilis:prismati-|
i made 3 storia :fuensis: lipesttalis : i cus
: Number : Number:Nunber: Number:NumbersNumber: Number: Nunber
Connecticut; H H H H H H $ :
THEA wleesheteptoleas A NG ENO) Oe a Gc BO OO) BS 8 )
Massachusetts: H H H : H H : :
Mal den-~----~---- H 33 H BB 25 3 0) Ci Ole apaibtay al) H Oe 8 2
Mautner Sa OO ec eiin Ment Olea. alien, ven slec\: auen aia humo ene Cmae 2
New Jerseys H $ : : H H $ :
Atlantic------- Sree alprean HE Vator a a O pea Pin (OPM Cy sare. IL! 20 0
Virginia: : : : 3 : ; G :
Lee------------ gi ge Onans 2 : Onto nee aap S/O! aaa OMe om |
Total—-—-----—= (eA eG am CS mnknic, Gann SA yy |

Mr. Clark also reports that an adult of Phaecogenes nigridens was |
reared on May 23 from a lot of 52 corn borer pupae collected in Burlington |
Township, Burlington County, N.J., on May 7, 1938. This parasite repro- |
sented the first recovery from the release of this species made 17 days
earlier at the same location and indicates successful initial establisiment.

Laboratory breeding of egg parasite of European corn borer.--W. G.
Bradley, Toledo, Ohio, states that following, in general, technic discussed
previously in the News Letter (vol. IV, No. 1, pp. 3-4, January 1, LOS) ime
laboratory breeding program for Chelonus annulipes was conducted at Toledo,
Ohio, late in the spring and early in the summer for release in the field,
principally in the Eastern States areas infested by the corn borer. While
prelininary experinents had indicated an expected production rate of 9.5
parasites per 100 eges of Ephestia kuehniella Zell., the host utilized in-
the breeding program, an average rate of 2.5 was returned. Distribution to
the Eastern States was made ‘by railway express ‘in iced insulated boxes, with
nortality en route averaging about 1 percent. The increased production also
provided adults for test releases against the sugarcane borer in Florida,
Louisiana, and Puerto Rico. Various shipping methods were utilized in trans-
porting the adults to these localities, including oir express, railway ex-
press remiced en route, and railway express in conjunction with boat to
Puerto Rico re-iced at New York. By far the most satisfactory results with,
long-distance shipments of this species-were.obtained with the insulated iced
boxes, re-iced:en route, and using either rail or rail-plus-boat facilities.

oe
ee ee ee

Eales

A rail shipment to New Orleans averaged less than 1 percent mortality frm
time of shipment to ficld release and the rail-boat shipment to Puerto Rico
averaged only 2 percent. A total elapsed period of 7 days was required for
the Puerto Rico shipment from date of shipment at Toledo to date of release
in Puorto Rico. During the programa total of 133,424 Chelonus adults wore
produced, involving the handling of over half a million host eggs.

Abnormal weather prolongs hatching period of grasshopper egc¢s in Cali-
fornia,--C. C. Wilson, Sacramento, Calif., reports that rainfall above normal

and mean temperatures below normal during the latter part of the winter and
early in the spring have prolonged the grasshopper egg hatch over a period
of approximately 75 days, or from April 2 to June 16. The normal hatch
usually reaches its peak by May 10, particularly in alfalfa fields in the
Sacranento Valley. In San Luis Obispo County the eggs hatch normally fron
March 15 to April 15, the peak of oviposition occurring usually around June
10, whereas in 1938 from April 15 to June 10 the hoppers were largely in tk
first to the fourth instars. The eggs of Melanoplus devastator Scudd. in
the grazing land of the foothills began to hatch 2 weeks later than normal
and continued to hatoh through May 25. The long hatching period this season
is largely due to excess moisture in the soil and to a luxuriant srowth of
vegetation, which tended to hold the soil temperature below the optimum for
hatching. The stages of development of the economic species in California
(June 1-18, 1938) are given‘in detail in the following table.

Stage of developnent

County 3: Date® Species ?>First:Second:Third:Fourth: Fifth:
(California): - ; sdn6 & ing ¢ ines sine § ine Adult
: H estar * star ‘star ? star ‘star !
sJune $ H : - c G $
Sacranento-* 2-16*Melonoplus narginat—* : . : : :
° * us Seudd. OES eres we TOL 8 286) a Oye ol
: *M. femur-rubrun Deg.: 83: 127 : 37: SRE RS oC
; 26:M. devastator Pe eho: eeOgae Tian aOw sa
San Luis : :Carnnula pellucida = : : : : :
Obispo-- :12-18: Scudd. eee Ge. oko. TAO ep ae is S
: 3M, devastator StH Omg SS Golley) 1S pee eee a cae
Other : - - ~ - : : -
countios.: 1#153M. devastator il Wmeeeny ee Oe, eee Temp ear
H sO6caleonotus enisna 3 ; : : : H
- : Scudd | AES Be ks gig 8 es Ea Eee BG ier ae fo)

* : ‘
Specinens collected in Los Angeles, Kern, Merced, Stanislaus, Mari-
posa, Calavera, San Joaquin, Placer, Yuba, Sutter, Butte, and Glenn Counties.

Sugarcane borer nore abundant in corn adjoining rice fields.--W. A.
Douglas, Crowley, La,, examined corn for comparison of injury by Diatraca
saccharolis (F.) in 10 representative fields adjacent to rico and in 10 fields
within 2 10-mile zone of, the rice area but where no rice was grown.

9

Exanina—
tions consisted of dissecting 25 practically mature representative stalks fron
each field. Findings were as follows:

nn Sme

3 Stalks : 3 ; 8
Location :Total : Bored:Larvae:Pupae :Pupal :Total stages
gs 3 g $ ? skins 3
sNunber:Number:Nunber:Nunmber:Nunber ;3 Number
Corn adjacent to rice; : : : ; :
fields------------- EO BAe) Se esnh ee sis) § IkyAl 8 Herel
Corn at least 1 mile 3: q : H : :
from rice fields-—_—t 1250) WO tOloue, Stas eG 211

Oviposition of Phyllophaga in various crops.-~IT. R. Chamberlin and Lee

Seaton, reporting on studies of grub populations from 1938 oviposition in
various crops on the Crowley Farm, near Lamont, Wis., submit the following
data. Holes dug were of 1/40,000-acre area.

H :Mean population
Crop sHoles dug 3: per
a5 : 1/40,000 acre
: Number ;
(2) Pasture (bluegrass )-------- : any, ; 1.94
(2) Pasture (bluegrass )-------- : 15 : 5.4
(3) Sweet clover and Junegrass-: 16 3 TANG)
(DY) Gloe nS e : iL 5 )
(5) Obtegae See ca moretee : 15 : .66
(6) Junegrass, alfalfa, and reds :
clover~-~---------~------- : 20 B Lo
(WD) Cette a cae eee : 15 : @)
(8) Oats—----------------~------ f ub $ .206
Total----~---------------- Ores = LZ) : —

Since the population consisted of eggs and first-instar larvae which
had moved but little, a wide range in population in various holes occurred.
Except in (2) a pasture, the populations are very low, especially since the
fields were in the midst of woods, the beetle population was heavy, and the
soil was in good condition for oviposition, hatching of eggs, and develop-
ment of grubs. It will be noted in (3) that the presence of sweetclover did
not .prevent oviposition in the field of sweetclover and junegrass and in (6)
that the presence of red clover and alfalfa did not prevent oviposition in
the field of junezgrass, red clover, and alfalfa. No oviposition appears to
have taken place in the clean-cultivated corn.

JAPANESE BEETLE CONTROL

ee

ture of twig samples from an elm in Kingwood Township, Hunterdon County,

N. J., added 35 square miles to the infected zone in that State. This latter
infection, plus previously confirmed trees found in Delaware Township in
April and in West Amwell Township in June of this year, extends the infected
zone to include this entire county. Other first-record infections reported
in New Jersey during the month occurred in Ewing and Lawrence Townships,
Mercer County, and in Blairstown Township, Warren County. At the end of the

~e

nonth the total work area in New Jersey was 3,837.64 square niles, 3,126

of which were in the infected zone and 711.64 in the 10-nile protective
strip. In the past year 155.30 square miles has been added to the New Jer-
sey infected zone.

Butch elm discase concentration in New Jersey infected zone.--A severe
concentration of Dutch elm disease within the known infected zone has de-

veloped in the Sourland Mountain region of Mercer, Hunterdon, and Somerset
Counties, N. J. In an area approximately 500 feet square in Hillsborough
Township, Somerset County, 28 twig samples showing characteristic discolora~
tion were taken from 30 elms sampled early in the month. One tree sampled
by the scouts was so badly attacked by bark beetles that approximately 50
percent of the twigs were broken and hanging. The wilt from the infection,
plus the wilted, dangling twigs resulting from crotch feeding by the beetles,
made the tree appear as though it had a severe infection of fire blight.

Scouting at Indianapolis.--The first systematic survey was completed at
Indianapolis on July 23, and the second zgoins-over was started in the center
of the infected zone on July 25. Harly in the month the State of Indiana
furnished one of the crews with an 18~foot boat heaving a 44 horse~power
motor to enable the crew to scout along the White River from the Marion
County line southwestward to the Wabash River. All elms within 500 to 1,000
feet of the river's edge were examined. The crew progressed much faster
than would have been possible by foot or automobile scouting. Crews in
boats also scouted along the Wabash River to the junction of the Ohio River.
A large island at the junction of the rivers was also surveyed for diseased
elns.

Northward extension of Dutch elm disease zone.—-Continued scouting in
the general region where diseased elms were found in the towns of Fishkill,
Hyde Park, and Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, N. Y., resulted in a further
discovery of two infected trees in the town of Washington. One of these
was in the villase of Millbrook. These are the first finds in the tri-—State
infected area to extend the range of infecticn outside the area within a
60-mile radius of New York City. It constitutes a northward spread of the
disease for approxinately 27 niles beyond the former boundary of the in-
fected zone. The confirmations in the town of Washington are within 22 niles
of the southwestern boundary of Massachusetts.

Incr eased confirnations indicated in New Jersey.—-Field surveys in
New Jersey during the month revealed a large number of elms showing flagging
in areas that have not yet been systenatically scouted. Consequently, a
lange increase in the nunber of confirnations may be expected, in comparison
with previous years. There is also a tremendous increase in the nunbers of
Scolytus multistriatus Marsh. and Hylurcopinus rufipes Hich. to be found in~
vading any suitable elm material, either cut or standing. A total of 1,374
econfirnations reported by the laboratory for the week ended July 23 con-
stituted an all-time record for a single week!s confirmations in the State.

Dutch elm disease discoverod in Pennsylvania.—-Confirnation of two elns
in Pennsylvania narked the discovery of the disease in another State. Recol-

lections of twig samples from the two trees suspected of containing infec-—
tions were positively confirmed late in the month, and an eradication crew
started removing one of the trees. The first tree found, of 42 inches DBH,

~-10~

overhangs the Delaware River on a property in Upper Mount Bethel Township,
Northampton County. The second confirmation is located approximately 33
Miles from the other infection, near Bangor.

Hln-sanitation project at West Point.--Starting in mid-July, the
Forestry Department of the U. 8. Military Academy started a project to prune.
all elms of value on the developed section of the reservation. Other elns
of little or no value and in decadent condition are being removed and burned.
The climbers and ground men engaged in the work are C. C. C. enrollees fron
a camp at Cornwall, N. Y. The foremen were formerly employed by this Division ©
and are experienced in both scouting and eradication activities.

Two additional confirmations at Athens, Ohio.--Second and third confir-
mations for the current season were reported from the Athens, Ohio, area.
Approximately 60 percent of the Athens area had been scouted by the end of 4
the nonth.Scouting along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad from Athens to Parkers- —
burg, W. Va., had been completed and the crew returned to Athens. 4

Centers for refrigerator-car fumigation against Japanese beetle.--Funi-!
gation by nethyl bromide and hydrocyanic acid of refrigerator cars transport-
ing fruits and vegetables from the densely infested Japanese beetle area to
nonquarantined States was perforned at a number of transfer points in Vir-
ginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. One hundred and j
seventy-five cars of white potatoes destined for the South were funigated with
nethyl bromide during the month at Cape Charles, Va., on the Bastern Shore.
At Onley and Melfa, Va., a total of nine cars of onions was certified after
experinental funigation with methyl bromide by the Division of Control Inves-
tigations. The greater part of the potato crop from the Eastern Shores of
Maryland and Virginia was fumigated with methyl bromide at the Pennsylvania
Railroad yards just north of Wilnington. Also treated at this point with the
sane fumigant were 31 cars of onions and 8 cars of green wrapped tomatoes.

In Philadelphia 298 carloads of white potatoes were fumigated with methyl
bromide. Hight carloads of white potatoes were fumigated with methyl bromide
at Lancaster, Pa., and 17 cars of the sane commodity were fumigated with hy-
drocyanic acid gas at Sinking Springs, Pa. Hight inspectors were necessary
at tines to fumigate empty cars and inspect screens at the Philadelphia
banana piers. In New Jersey empty refrigerator cars were fumigated with hy-
drocyanic acid gas at Camden, Bridgeton Junction, and Trenton. Carloads of
potatoes and onions were also gassed with HCN at Bridgeton Junction, N. J.
This year's heavy flight of beetles in New York City made it necessary for
the first time to funmigate refrigerator cars loaded with bananas. From the
12th to the 3lst of July, 503 loaded cars were funigated, and 1,021 empty
cars were funigated before loading with bananas. Most of these cars were
funigated in the various railroad yards on the New Jersey side of the Hudson
before lightering across on barges for loading at the sides of the banana
barges,

Japanese beetles invade Broadway.--Much of this yoar's Japanese beetle
newspaper publicity throughout the country was occasioned by a repetition,
on 2 larger scale, of last summer's beetle invasion of New York City. Swarn-
ing beetles, probably from Staten Island, Brooklyn, and other heavily in-=
festod areas in nearby New Jersey, rode favoring winds into the business and
theatrical districts of Manhattan. In numbers and obnoxiousness, the adults
approached the nuisance stage that was experienced in Philadelphia for the
_ decade 1924 to 1934.

as
FOREST INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Spruce budworm increases in Colorado.--Donald DeLeon, Fort Collins,
Colo., reports that the outbreak of Cacoecia fumiferana (Clem. ) on ponde-
rosa pine in the areas near Boulder and Bergen Park has increased in inten-
sity and extent during the past season. In addition to these areas, it
has also: been found on the Montezuma, San Juan, and Pike National Forests
and on other parts of the Roosevelt National Forest, Colo. Heavy outbreaks
of the moth were also found this year in the Douglas fir stands in localized
areas on the Roosevelt and Medicine Bow National Forests. There are appar-
ently two races of the noth, as those on Douglas fir are not only much
darker than those on ponderosa pine but also do not attack ponderosa pine
in the Douglas fir stands, nor does the noth in ponderosa pine attack the
Douglas fir growing in association with it, although it has been found to
attack limber pine. The flight of the race on Douglas fir occurs fron 2
to 3 weeks earlier than the flight of the race on ponderosa pine.

Penetrating sprays for control of nountain pine beetle in lodgepole
pine.--A. L. Gibson, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, again reports success in the ex-
perinental use of penetrating sprays as a means of controlling the mountain
pine beetle in lodgepole pine.. These sprays, which are applied to the in-
fested portion of the bole, penetrate the bark and destroy the insect broods
beneath. Three formulas having orthodichlorobenzene and naphthalene as the
lethal agent all gave successful results. This season's experinents were
conducted on the Grand Teton National Park where a rather large series of
trees was treated with the various formulas being tested. It is believed
that this method of control will supplant the use of fire, as it offers an
effective and economical method of destroying broods of the nountain pine
beetle in lodgepole pine. There are, however, certain details in connection
with the administration of the method in the field which will need to be
developed.

Pine beetle survey zets under way.-~For the last several years this
Bureau, the Forest Service, and the Office of Indian Affairs have combined

forces to make a thorough survey of bark~beetle activity in the ponderosa
pine forests of Oregon and Washington. fF. P. Keen, of the Portland, Oreg.,
laboratory, reports that on July 23 of this year, after a 15-day training
period, five crews of three men each were placed in the field to cover the
nore important national forest and private timberland areas. Additional
crews were organized by the Indian Service to cover three of the large In-—
dian reservations of the region. In addition to naking a 100—percent check
of current bark-beetle danage on nore than 200 permanent 320—acre sample
plots, a large number of l-acre plots will also be cruised to deternine the’
conditions nost frequently leading to barkebeetle damage. General sccuting
work will also be done to observe conditions on some 15,000,000 acres of
ponderosa pine forests in the two States. It is expected that the major
part of the survey work will be completed by the end of Septenber and areas
needing control can be designated by that tine.

Observations on carpenter ants in the Northwest.--Ixperimental control
of carpenter ants in Oregon and Washington has disclosed that at least three
species--Camponotus herculeanus L., C. maculatus F., and C. laevigatus Smith--
establish colonies in houses in this region, according to R. L. Furniss,
Portland, Oreg. Present dota show that the first two are much nore prevalent

=] Coe

than is C. laevigatus in the vicinity of Fortland. Houses of poor con-
struction--that is, with wood in contact with grounc~-are more likely to be
attacked than houses of good construction. The ants are frequently asso-
ciated with rot, but there are many exceptions to this rule. In one case

a large colony moved into the attic of .a house before the owner moved in.
Camponotus has been noted tending aphids on Pseudotsuga, Abies, Thuja, and
Faeonia,.

Several species of sawflies observed in Minnesota.--H. J. MacAloney,
Milwaukee, Wis., reports that during July four species of sawflies were

collected from jack pine in the Chippewa and Superior National Forests in
Minnesota. On the Chippewa forest, sawfly defoliation in conjunction with ©
spruce budworn defoliation has caused almost complete stripping in one area,
and plans are already under way to cut the dying trees this winter. Four
species of sawflies have also been found on black and white spruce in Min-
nesota, with Pikonena alaskensis (Rohwer) (frequently misidentified as Pachy-~
nhenatus ocreatus Warrington) most numerous. HZxcept in isolated instances,
defoliation has not been severe. Balsam fir has also been fed on by two of
the species collected from black spruce.

Activity of hemlock borer.--H. C, Secrest, Milwaukee, Wis., has found
that the adults of the hemlock borer ¢o not become active until the air
temperature reaches 70 F. This is usually around 10 a.nm., at which tine
on warn, sunny days the bark temperature on the south, side nay be 80 + Ovie
position was observed between bark temperatures of 80 and 95 , with the
optinun about 86, These temperatures are found in the open stands caused
by blow-downs and logging more commonly than in the uncut areas. Beetle
emergence had decreased noticeably by the middle of July, and at that time
larvae up to 1/2 inch in length were common. Trees heavily attacked in
June are now showing yellow foliage and will be dead before fall.

Parasites liberated for control of European spruce sawfly.--P. B.
Dowden, P. A. Berry, anc F. H, Miller, Jr. (collaborator), of the New Haven,
Conn., laboratory, report as follows on the Buropean spruce sawfly and its
parasites: "In southern Vermont and New Hampshire a high percentage of first-—
generation larvae of the spruce sawfly had spun cocoons by July 15. The
following week wes very reiny and warn and large numbers of the remaining
larvae were killed by discase. On July 27 first-generation adults were
issuing in large numbers, and samples of cocoons brought into the laboratory
indicate there will be little "hold over" in this generation. First-instar
larvae of the second generation were common on July 27. In the Wilmington,
Vt., area several trees were completely defoliated by the first-seneration
larvae, and a number of trees were observed that were already attacked by
secondary bark beetles. In the spruce sawfly survey 24 New Ilampshire towns
and 38 Vermont towns have been covered. Thus far heavy infestations have
been found only in towns in the vicinity of Wilmington, Vt., and Dublin,

N. Il., where severe infestations were located in 1937. Microplectron fusci-
pennis Zett. has been colonized in all suitable infestations. Twelve colo-
nies totaling 120,000 have been liberated in Vermont and 20 colonies total-
ing 200,000 have been liberated in New Hampshire. Approximately 4 million

' Microplectron larvae have been pro@uced in the lavoratory and are being
held at temperatures to retard further developnent until suitable liberation
points are found. On July 8 a shipment of Exenterus abruptorius Thunb.,

mite

larval parasite, was received from the Canadian Parasite Laboratory. Two
colonies totaling about 6,000 adults were liberated in each of the follow-
ing towns: Wilmington and Lincoln, Vt., and Dudlin and Temple, N. Il.

.Matsucoccus scale tested on possible pine hosts.—--Exanination of Mat—
sucoccus placed on red, white, mugho, Scotch, and Austrian pines indicates
that the only species other than pitch pine on which the insect may survive.
here. in the Northeast is red pine, according to T. J. Parr, New Haven, Conn.
Several thousand egeés were placed on red pine and all had hatched by May 23.
Of these, many were dead by June 24 but on July 15 sone of the insects were
apparently still alive anc the twigs showed typical injury. Injured areas
on pitch pine twigs in which enzyme injections were nade continue to enlarge.
Enzyme injections are being continued.

Elms cut at different seasons exposed to bark beetles.--T. H. Jones
and R. T. Webber, of the Morristown, N. J., laboratory, report on an experi-
nent in which small elm logs cut at monthly intervals were later exposed to
bark-beetle attack in the field. The first cutting of logs was made in Octo-
ber 1937 and the last in June 1936, just before the logs were put out in an
area where elm bark beetles were abundant. Half of each cutting was placed
under cover in a wooden building immediately after the logs were cut and the
other half in an outdoor cage, the top and sides of which were covered with
30-mesh copper screening. The logs remained in these locations until they
were placed in the field. After a month's exposure they were debarked and
the galleries counted. Except for logs cut in October, neither the length
of time logs were. kept before exposure nor the place where they were stored
had any appreciable effect on the extent to which they were attacked by the
smaller European elm bark beetle (Scolytus nultistriatus Marsh.). Logs cut
in October were apparently becoming too old for attack. The place of storage
had a marked effect on the extent to which the logs were attacked by the
native eln bark beetle (ilylurgopinus rufipes Bich.). There was little at-
tack on the logs kept in the wooden building. Of the logs kept in the cage,
those cut in October were most heavily attacked by H. rufipes, followed in
order by those cut in November and December. Those cut in later months
showed noticéably less attack by this species.

Deternining point of Dutch elm infection difficult.-—-iwhen elm trees
affected by the Dutch elm disease are cut down and exanined it frequently
happens that the way in which the fungus that causes the disease entered the
tree is not deternined, This is probably usvally due to the difficulty of
minutely examining all parts of the tree, particularly in the case of large
trees. ReéGent observations made by R. T. Webber, of the Morristown, N. J.,
laborstory, illustrate this fact. The obsexvations further indicate that
bark-beetle adults penotrate the bark of healthy elm trees more comnonly
than has been suspected. Bighteen normal eln trees, averaging 55 inches DBH,
were felled from July 9 to July 18. After they were fclled the trunks were
carefully debarked and examined. Mr. Wobdbder found 55 places on the trees
where vark—beetle adults had borod through the bark and contacted the xylen,
presunably in unsuccessful efforts to form egg galleries. He decided that 18
of the contacts hed been made by adults of the native elm bark beetle (H.
rufipes) and 15 by adults of the snaller European bark beetle (s. multistri-
atus). It was not possible to determine which of the two species had made
the remaining contacts. Had some of the beetles that made the contacts been
contaninated with the fungus a tree might have become diseased later. If it

a PS

were then examined in an effort to determine how it became inoculated it
might have been necessary to entirely debark and very carefully examine
the entire surface in order to determine the point of inoculation. .

Anbrosia beetle a possible vector of Dutch elm disease..-W. D. Bu-
chanan, of the Morristown laboratory, reports that he has found coremia of
the Dutch elm disease fungus (Ceratostonella ulmi ) in inhabited brood cha
bers of. the introduced ambrosia beetle ‘Xylosandrus germanus,. These brood:
chambers were present in the trunk of a dead elm tree. This ig the first
record the laboratory has of the occurrence of the fungus in the galleries
of this beetle. Obviously, adults emerging from galleries in which corenmia
are present will be contaminated with the spores of the fungus and will
introduce theri into other dead wood which they nay later attack.

GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTH CONTROL

gypsy moth field work temporarily suspended.--All 1. P. A.
gypsy noth field work supervised by the Federal Gypsy Moth Office in Green-
field, Mass., was temporarily suspended on June 30, as no funds were in-
nediately available after the close of the fiscal year. Later in the month
approval was received for the employment of a total of 1,006 workers on
Federal W. P. A. gypsy moth projects during the month of July.

W. P. A. gypsy moth activities in July.--When the gypsy moth spraying
season wes concluded at the end of June, and after the.temporary suspension
of gypsy moth work because of lack of funds, W. P. A. crews were returned
to the regular scouting, thinning, and cleaning work; to the inspecting and
repairing of temporary fences erected around sprayed areas to exclude live-
stock: and to certain special work peculiar to this season. Patrolling bur-.
lap bands placed around trees as a shelter for gypsy moth caterpillars and
crushing all caterpillars and pupae found was a major activity in many areas.
Slightly more than 2,100 assembling cnges wore distributed in 31 townships
in Luzerne, Carbon, Menreas Wayne, and Lackawanna Counties in Pennsylvania,
and they are being visited regularly for inspection and to comb the tangle-
foot so that it will remain sticky. These assembling cages are arrange-
ments of boards covered with tanglefoot that catch male gypsy moths at-
trected to them by a bait composed of the ends of the abdomens of female
gypsy moths preserved from the previous year in a So auaene The collection
and preparation of attractant material for next year's assenbling cage work
was started at Greenfield, Mass., immediately after July 4, and by July 23
sufficient material had been collected for approximately 5,000 cages. It
was anticipated that a substantial amount of additional material would be
collected before the close of the pupal scason. The men employed in pa-
trolling burlap bands, setting out and tending assembling cages, and col-
lecting assembling-cage material will be returned to scouting and other
usual work after the close of the pupal and moth seasons.

Gypsy noth larvae found near barrier zone in Verront.--Two gypsy noth
larvae were found during the first week in July by nen patrolling burlap
bands in Shrewsbury, Vt. During the following week two larvae were dis—
covered at. burlap bands in the adjoining town of Mount Holly. The two tomns
are located east of and in close proxinity to a section of the barrier zone
where no gypsy moth infestations are known to exist at present. The infes=
tations. where the bands were placed were discovered during the fiscal year

~15—

1938, and every effort is being made to eradicate them and remove the
threat to the nearby section of the barricr zonc.

Tanglefoot at gypsy moth assembling cenges eaten by bears.--In putting
out assomdling cxges in Kidder Township, Po., in the heart of the Pocono
Mountain area, several cages were nailed to the same trees that had been
used in previous years. In two instances it was found that the old tangle-
foot used in surrounding the cagcs had been eaten by bears. They had also
eaten the bark from the sections of.the trees that had been covered with
tanglefoot,.

Cc. C. C. gypsy moth work in July.--The transfer of large numbers of
C. C. C. enrollees from eastern camps to camps in the west, the enrollment
of new tien to take their places, the taking of annual leave by nany of the
men, and the turning over to the army of many others for dental work caused
a reduction in C. C. C. gypsy noth work in July, The new ren were employed
largely in thinning operotions, burning brush, and patrolling burlap bands,
which does not require a great deal of training. More tine will be lost
later when the new nen are receivins the special training needed for ef-
ficient scouting work. New egg clusters were reported by the nen patrol-
ling the burlap bands about the middle of July, and by the end of the third
week in July more than 11,500 new gypsy moth egg clusters had been crco-
scted by the C. C. C. band patrols, principally in the henvily infested
town of Russell, Mass.

Inspection of the area known as "Filter Hill" in Greenfield, Mass., which
had been thinned by C. C. C. enrollecs according to the latest silvicultural
nethods, disclosed a very light infestation of gypsy moth caterpillars and
no appreciable defoliation. At the State Forest in Wendell, Mass., which
was also treated silviculturaliy, there was slightly nore infestatian than
in the Greenfield area. No spots in the Wendell forest appeared to be more
than 25-percent defoliated, the defoliation being much less in nost cases.
In both areas the species of trees nost favored as food by the gypsy noth
caterpillars were removed and the growth of less favored species was en=
coura.:ed, in order to develop stands of more valueble and nore gypsy=-noth-
resistant trees.

PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

Berberis canadensis found in Illinois.-—-An area infested with Berberis
canadensis has recently been loc>ted in Pembroke Township, Kankakee County,
Ill., according to a report recentky received fron R. W. Bills. This infes-
totion extends over an area approximately half a mile lonz anc quarter of
a nile wide. Only one other area infosted with B. canadensis has been found
in Illinois, and so far field tien have beon unable to determine the source
of the original bushes. The infested area was treated with salt brine, using
80 pounds of salt to 50 gellons of water per square rod.

slices thst have been exposed this year in connection with the rust—epi-
Geniology studies is about two-thirds completed. So far, over a thousand
slides hnve been exanined for stem rust spores, leaving necrly 450 slides

yet to be done. In exanining slides for sten rust, it was observed that leaf

162

rust spores began to appear early this year on slides exposed in Missouri
and Nebraska, that the number of leaf rust spores was high, and that they
were present on most days; so it is readily understandable thet wheat in
these States and farther south suffered an extremely heavy epidemic, which
resulted in early killing of the leaves. Stem rust, on the other hand, did
not appear os early in May this yesr as in previous years (1935-37). The
first stem rust spores appeared 3 weeks later at some. of the stations this
year than last. In June more of the slides exposed in the spring-wheat
States Dore stem rust in 1938 than in previous years--althougsh the spores
dic not always appear in large numbers, the tctal was probably higher in
193%. The naximum number of stem rust spores found on any one slide thus
far examined is 263,308 per square foot, trapped on June 13 at California,
Mo. The next largest number was 197,040 per square foot, found on a slide
exposed at Lincoln, Nebr., on June 29. It will be recalled that more than
a million spores per square foot were cought on some slides expose in ~
June 1935. In the physiologic-race identification of 248 uredial isolates
made so far this year from northern Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and
Missouri, race 56 continues to be the most prevalent in the United States.
This race, which attacks most of the winter wheats and the susceptible
spring wheats, comprised only 19 percent of the isolates from northern Mexi-
co. In Texas race 56 comprised 61 percent of the isolates, in Oklahoma 6&2
percent, in Kansas 81 percent, and in Missouri 73 percent. Race 56 dces
not attack the more commonly grown durum verietics. Of the races that do
attack the durums, 38, 19, and 17 are the most common this year. aces that
attack the durums comprised 53 percent of the isolates from Mexico, but in
the United States they have been much less common, comprising 33 percent of
the isolates from Texas, and only 16 to 20 percent of the races identified
from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. This distribution of races explains
why Ceres, Marquis, and Reward have been so heavily attacked in the spring
wheat area this ycar, while the durums have not been so severely rusted.
Race 56 is especially virulent on Ceres, among the susceptible spring
wheats. Isolates from barverry collections have again this year yielded
races that are not commonly found in uredial collections. Such races as
14, 15, 24, 35, 52, 53, 69, 80, 97, and 160 have been isolated; only one

of these, race 15, has also been isolated from uredial collections.

Yield from farm ywoodlot shows value of protection agseinst blister
rust.——In 1919 a Minnesota farmer was visited by a member of the Minnesota
Forest Service with the object of convincing the farmer, anc other local
residents, that it was worthwhile to protect the second-growth white pine
on their lands against blister rust infection. Although when first ap—
proached the farmer was not interested, inasmuch as he could sce no incone
from the woodlot and hac planned to cut and grub all the trees so that he
could plow the land, he was finally convinced by the forester that the |
woodlot should be saved, Years passed, and again in 1935 a blister rust
crew appeared on the farm. This time no argument was required to prove the
value of the woodlct as it was now considered the most vnluable part of his
farn. During the prececing winter the farmer hac harvested about half of
the tirlber from the woodlot. The cut yielded a total of 55,327 board feet.
Of this cut, part was sold to a portable saw mill for $16.50 per thousand,
delivered on a landing in the woods. Part was sola at $25.50 which in-
cluded $4.50 per thousand for sawing, and the owner still has 2,350 feet.
for his own usc, which he values at $20.00 per M. In adé@ition, several
loads of slashing were Gisposed of for firewood at $1.00 per load. This

hk

brought the total reported return to $955.69, or $477.84 per acre. A
check showed the average age of the trees cut to be 51 years, making the
yearly yield per acre $9.37. In the words of the owner, this was a far
better vield than he could get from his potato crop, and that from land
consideredworthless. Within another 10 years a similar cut can be made
yielding at least as much lumber. In the meantime reproduction is coming
in at the rate of 378 trees per acre.

Famous white pines.—-In "Famous Trees!" of the United States (Misc.
Pub. 295), recently issued by the Department, are found seven references to
white pines fanous for their unusual size, age, or association with notable
persons, events, or places.

Phenological notes from lower Michigan.--Infection on Ribes is not
nearly so extensive as it was a year ago. In the sections where pine in-

fection is heavy, the infection on Ribes is very intense. This is especially
true in the Leelanau and Newaygo areas, where from 60 to 75 percent of the
Ribes eradicated were found infected. In one spot in Leelanau County 185
bushes out of 187 pulled were found heavily infected. Species of Ribes in-
fected are R. cynosbati, R. hudsonianun, R. glandulosum, and R. odoratun.
Heavy infection was also noted on R. cynosbati and R. glandulosum in Grand
Traverse County. A number of leaves inspected during the week ending July

9 showed both the uredinial and telial stages.

COTTON INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Notes on Epicaerus formidolosus Boh.—-C. S. Rude and L. C. Fife,
Gainesville, Fla., report thot at a few places during July the cotton leaves
were "ragged" by the weevil Epicaerus formidolosus Boh. When these leaves
were first noticed it was thought that the injury had been caused by lepi-
dopterous larvae but when the beetles were placed on cotton in a cage it
was found that they were causing this damage. In cages the beetles also fed
on the tips of the cotton squares causing the tips to flare open. These
squares are not shed by the plant but when they open they make an imperfect
bloom. This insect seems to be quite resistant to calcium arsenate as no
dead weevils were found where the cotton had been dusted and they seemed to
be just as numerous in plots that had been dusted as in those not treated.
In no case did these weevils damage cotton enough to cause alarn. These
notes are recorded because it is thought that this insect has not previously
been reported from cotton. The first specimens were submitted on June &
for determination by L. L. Buchanan. In some fields it was estimated that
they occurred in June at the rate of about 1,000 per acre. They were not
found on any other plant but cotton.

Insecticide tests.—-7. T. Hunt and 0. T. Robertson, Presidio, Tex.,
report results observed by August 1, 1938, of the application of insecti-
cides. In ono test no pink bollworm infestation counts had been made but,
as there was a serious infestation of the bollworn (Heliothis obsoleta F.)
in these plots, mature bolls were exanined for bollworm injury that showed.
infestations as follows: Untreated check, 38 percent; paris green plot, 21.5
percent; calcium arsonate and sulphur nixture, 20.5 percent; syncrclite,
11:5 percents; and calcium arsenate, 10 percent. In another test after the
plots had been dusted four tines an exanination of the bolls for pink boll-
worms gave the following results:

-18—
: Bolls : Larvae :
annette sinfestedsper boll: _Sontzot
sPercent : Number ;: Fercent
Alorco dusting cryolite--:; 40 st OOO aes 5
Barium fluosilicate------ of) PULL stay ves Me han haem NS
Synerolite--------------— SM LG Um ati Neo areas 25
Alorco eryolite--~------- soneuegatcines 1 es 15
Check-~------------------ SiH D yh shiad sem age ~~

Pink bollworm survives winter in Bl Paso Valley.--H. S. Cavitt and
0. T. Robertson, of the Presidio, Tex., laboratory, searched for pink boll~
worns in the lower El Paso Valley on July 5, 6, and 7, as the occurrence
of worms in the early cotton blooms would be evidence that the pink boll-
worm had overwintered in the soil. Many cotton fields were examined in
Hudspeth County as far north as McNary, with negative results in all but
two. On July 6 one injured bloom was found near Esperanza, but the larva
had fed out anc dropped to the ground. This bloom was found in the after-'
noon and often the fourth-instar larvae leave the "rosette" blooms and —
enter the soil by that time of day. On July 7 one fourth-instar larva was
taken from a "rosette" bloom on the J, H. Neely farm, near Fort Quitman.
This finding is excellent evidence that the pink bollworm survived the win-
ter of 1937-38 in the lower part of the El Paso Valley in Hudspeth County,
Ter: ect

Pink bollworms probably did not survive winter in Balnorhea Valley.-—
Messrs. Cavitt and Robertson searched for pink bollworms in the Balmorhea

Valley in Reeves County on July 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16, with negative results.
This failure to find a single pink bollworm during 5 days of intensive exe
amination of cotton fields that were infested last fall is evidence that

the pink bollworn may not have survived the winter of 1937-38 in the vicin-
ity of Balmorhea. Weather records indicate comparatively nild temperatures
last winter, but cultural practices may have helped to destroy the over-— |
wintering larvae in the soil and on the surface. Many fields were heavily
pastured with cattle following the final picking. This greatly reduced the
surface population of pink bollworms. Conditions were unfavorable for

these field examinations for pink bollworms curing July, as there was an
extremely heavy infestation of Heliothis obsoleta, and the cotton square
borer(Strymon melinus (Hbn.)) and the cotton leafworm (Alabama argillacea

(Hbn.)) wero also abundant in the cotton throughout the valley.

Pink bollworm parasites.~-L. W. Noble and S. W. Luke, of the Presidio
laboratory, report that none of the introduced species of pink bollworn
parasites were recovered from collections made in June, except possibly the
Hawaiian strain of Microbracon nellitor Say. Less than 2 percent of the
pink bollworms were parasitized. M. mellitor was the most abundant parasite
but it is not known whether these were of the Hawaiian strain or the native
strain. M. platynotaec (Cush.), and another species thought to be Perisierola
sp. were the other parasites reared. ,

a = nS et

Noble and S. W. Luke, Presidio, report that the breeding of Chelonus black~
burni Cameron in large numbers ‘was seriously interrupted during the spring

crop natured saree and harvesting is fully 3 wecks ahead of last se

a oes

because the longevity of the adults and the period of oviposition was
reduced, It was feared that the stock of these parasites might die out;
however, when the cages were covered with new cloth, the longevity and ovi-
position again became normal. It was found*that the old cloth cage covers
contained small quantities of sulphur, which had settled on the cloth when
the breeding room had been dusted to control nites. The sulphur present
was not sufficient to kill the adults immediately, but was enough to
shorten their lives and greatly reduce oviposition.

PINK BOLLWORM AND THURBERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

Gin-trash inspection.--Gin-trash inspection of the 1938 cotton crop
was begun in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas and of Mexico about the
middle of July. There has been practically no rain during the harvesting
season and cotton is brought to the gins especially clean, so that there
is a very small output of trash. This makes for more efficient inspection.
Specimens of the pink bollworm were found in large numbers in the first
samples of trash inspected at Matamoros, Mexico. During the first 43 days!
operation, 173 bushels of trash were inspected and 3, 439 pink Soiuinoats
found, or about 19 worms per bushel. This is a much heavier infestation
than was present in the 1937 crop. Specimens of the pink bollworm were also
found on the Texas side and, while there has been an increase in infestation,
it is nothing like as heavy as on the Mexican side. By the end of July 324
specimens of the pink bollworm had been found on the Texas side, most of
which came from Cameron County, with a few from Hidalgo and Willacy Counties.
Results in Starr County were negative. On the Mexican side 11,158 speci-
mens of the pink bollworm were found at Matamoros and 9 at Reynosa, about
60 niles up the river from Matanoros.

New infestation.--As inspections were completed in the lower Rio
Grande Valley machines were moved to counties farther north. Toward the
close of thé month a pink bollworm was found in Kleberg County, this being
the first specimen ever found in that section. Specimens have since been
found in Brooks, Jim Wells, and Nueces Counties. Onlv a few worms have
been found, indicating thet the infestation is very light. The State of
Texas has issued an energency proclamation placing these four counties in
the regulated area, and all cotton products are being noved in accordance
with regulations of the pink bollworm quarnntine. It is of interest to
note that the people connected with the cotton industry were somewhat
faniliar with pink bollworn regulations, as they have been enforced in the
lower Rio Grande Valley for several years. There has been considernble
activity looking tovard the destruction of cotton stalks. A comnittecuan
from coach county has been appointed, and this person will in turn select
& larger committee in his county to assist with the stalk-destruction pro-
éran,.

erate of the new cotton crop.——The entire nonth of July was very
hot and dry in tho lower Rio Grande Valley of. Texas. As a result, the cotton
eason.
Cotton pickers were plentiful, and indications are that ginning will te
practically completed oF ec another nenth. This is ‘the only district in
the regulated area in which there hag been any ginning, and vory little is
expected to take place in other districts for another nonth.

Vehicular inspection.~-The vehicular~inspection station on the
principal highway leading out of the lower Rio Grande Valley has been op-
erated on a 24-hour basis throughout the month. A total of 15,662 cars
were inspected and 967 confiscations made. The confiscations consisted
largely of small lots of seed cotton taken from pick sacks. Toward the
end of the month unusually large numbers of pickers began moving to up-
State points. An inspector has been on duty patrolling roads in Starr
County and only one confiscation was made, but considerable educational
work was done by contacting farners living near the quarnntine line and
advising them about the movement of products.

Thurberia=plant eradication.~-The oradication of Thurberia plants
has been carried on in the Santa Catalina Mountains of southern Arizona
throughout July. During the month 4,160 acres were covered and 34,416
Thurberia plants destroyed.

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Correction.--In the News Letter for October 1937 (vol. IV, no. 12)
lines 11 and 12 on page 21 should read "a rotenone content of 0.0056 per-
cent was as effective as one with 0.0112 (instead of 0.0012) percent
rotenone content."

ee a ernie ee RE A oH ct 2 AE

to the results of a survey conducted in May by C. F. Stahl and L. B. Reed,
of’ the Sanford, Fla., laboratory, Anthononus signatus Say caused consider-—
able injury to strawberry plants in the Eastern Shore section of Maryland
and in the adjoining counties of Delaware and Virginia. It was found that
in the different fields examined from 16 to 81 percent of the strawberry
buds were cut by the strawberry weevil on five farns exanined in Sussex
County, Del. Likowise, a range of fron 17 to 67 percent of the buds were
cut in three counties examined in Maryland, and fron 3 to 63 percent of
the buds were cut in Accomac County, Va. In many fields the prevalence

of drought and other factors prevented the strawberry plants from develop-
ing the remaining uncut buds and it was therefore very difficult to de-
ternine whether or not the injury caused dy the strawberry weevil resulted
in reductions in yield. In several fields, however, the damage caused by
this pest was very pronounced.

lution containing sticker.--L. B. Scott, of the Clarksville, Tenn., lab-
oratory, reports that when tobacco plants were dipped prior to transplant—-
ing, in a mixture containing a sufficient quantity of 85—percent cryolite
to provide 1.9 percent of sodivm fluoaluminate, combined with a sticker,
the treatnent was effective in reducing the injury caused by Cranmbus cali-

ginosellus Clem. approximately 90 to 100 percent. Fish oil and mineral oil,

each at the rate of 1.6 percent, animal glue at the rate of 0.37 percent,
and bill-poster paste at the rate of 0.75 percent were equally effective

as sticking agents. Cryolite without a sticker was nearly as effective as
the combinations containing those adhesives. The evidence fron these ox
periments thus far indicates that the dipping of tobacco plants constitutes
a more effective control of the tobacco webworm than the bait consisting of
corn meal with paris green and oil of mirbane, commonly used in combating
these pests.

Sugar beot wireworm adults prefer red clover to alfalfa for egg de-
position.—-Exporiments by F. H. Shirck, of the Parma, Idaho, laboratory,

‘demonstrated that at least under cage conditions the adults of Limonius
californicus (Mann.) prefer red clover to alfalfa for the deposition of
their eggs. In the course of the experiments several hundred L. californi-
cus beetles of both sexes were confined in cages in which red clover and
alfalfa plants were growing. An examination of samples of soil in 1/16-
square-foot arcas to a depth of 4 inches taken immediately surrounding the
red clover and alfalfa plants showed that of a total of 803 L. californicus
eges found in the soil samples, approxinatcly 68.9 percent were foune. in
mediately adjacent to the red clover plants and the remaining 31.1 percent
were found immediately adjacent to the alfalfa plants. Sinilar soil
samples taken in the bare spaces between the plants revealed only a few

L. californicus eggs. This preference for red clover for the deposition

of eggs may explain the tendency of red clover fields to become nore heavily
infested with wirevorms than:fields planted to other crops.

Insecticide tests against cabbage worms.--An analysis of the data ob=
tained by W. J. Reid and C. O. Baro, of the Charleston, S. C., laboratory,
in insecticide Nee directeca against the more important species of caobage
worms attacking the spring cabbage crop in that section indicated that a
highly significant correlation existed between the numbers of each of the
three species of worms present, i. e., the cabbage looper, the imported
cabbage worm, and the diamond=back moth, and the number of cabbages produced
of U. S. Grade No. 1, as well as the nunber of worm—danaged plants. As
the numbers of worms were decreased by the treatments there was a corre-
sponding increase in the number of U. §. Grade No. 1 plants produced and a
corresponding decrease in the number of plants ineligible for that grade
vecause of worm damage. Highly significant differences were denonstrated
between worm populntions and yields resulting from the use of the various
insecticide naterials and the intervals of application. Materials used in
these tests consisted of dust nixtures containing 0.5 percent rotenone, 1.0
percent rotenone, and 0.3 percent total pyrethrins, respectively, as well
as a combination dust nixture containing 0.5 percent rotenone plus 0.2 per-
cent total pyrethrins. Applies ‘tions of the insecticides began when the
combined worn Sa geet: reached 96.9 worms per 100 plants. Applications
were made at 7-, 10- to 1l-, and lueday intervals, respectively. Against
ee cabbage looper the 1.0-percent+rotenone anc the derris-pyrethrunm dust

xture at /~day eben eats between applications were nost effective;
eect the Cianond-oack noth the lepercent rotenone and the derris—pyre-
thrun cust anc the 7 or 10- to ll-day intervals were nost effective;
against tne imported cabbaze worn the 0.5-percent rotenone, the 1.0 per~
cent—rotenone, and the derris-pyrethrun dust were significantly different
and were significantly superior to the pyrethrun. Against this species
the /- and the 10- to ll-day intervals were supericr to the l4day interval.
In genora .. the results indicated that, under the conditions of the oxper-
inent, the 0.5-percent-rotonone dust nixture used at intervals of ecither
{ or 10-11 days was the nost efficient of the treatnents tested, both fron
the stangpoint of production of U. S. Grade No. 1 cabbage and of costs.
It was apparent, however, thet under conditions of grenter population of
the cabbage looper and of less ideal dusting conditions a lepercent-rotenone
cust applied at approxinately 7-day intervals would be preferable.

How tomato fruitworm larvae get poison from insecticides.--During the
course of experiments with Heliothis obsoleta F., at the Alhambra, Calif.,

laboratory, Joseph Wilcox and Arnold Mallis observed that the first instar
of H. obsoleta cleaned its feet with its mandibles, Further observations
made on the larger larvae confined in petri dishos that had been dusted with
corn flour showed that not only the forelegs but also the niddle legs were
cleaned by the mandibles, that the larvae ate particles of the material fron
the leaf surface in the petri dishes, and that the forelegs were used to
assist in this feeding. A continuation of these experinents: on tomato plants
revealed the fact that the larvae followed substantially the sane practice
as was indicated in the petri dishes. The results of these observations in-
dicate that H. ovsoleta larvae can be killed on the plants from the effects
of insecticide applications without actually consuming any of the plant up-—
on which the insecticides are applicd.

Derris controls a plant bug on lettuce grown for seed.-~K, B. McKinney,
of the Phoenix, Ariz., Laboratory, reports that prelininary cage tests have

indicated that a derris cust mixture containing 1 percent rotenone with
clay as a diluent was effective in controlling the adults of the plant bug
Corizgus hyalinus F,, which has been causing considcrable damage to lettuce
frown for seed in the Salt River Valley of Arizona and in the Yuna Valley.
This dust mixture, however, was not as effective against the C, hyalinus
nymphs as it was against the adults.

Relative effectiveness of different insecticides against Mexican bean
bectle.——-The results of an experinent ae ae at Norfolk, Va., by L. W.

Brannon, against Epilachna varivestis Muls. the spring crop of snap beans,
in order to deterrnine the relative area tteaee ae of derris, cube, and cryo-
lite dusts and sprays, showed that, based on the degree of folinge injury,
derris and cube sprays containing 0.015 percent rotenone and dust mixtures
containing 0.5 percent rotenone are the most effective materials yet de=
vised for the control of the Mexican bean beetle. Sprays containing cryo~
lite (3 pounds to 50 gallons) and cryolite dust nixtures containing 60 per-
cent of the former and 40 percent of talc, My weight, were more effective in
the control of the insect than in 1937 or 1936. Sprays containing 3 pounds
of phenothiazine to 50 gallons of water, with 24 ounces of sodiun lauryl
sulphate, gave good control of the bean beetle. The cryolite dust nixtures
were not so effective as the cryolite spravs. Dust mixtures containing cone
binations of derris, pyrethrun, and sulphur were equally as effective as
derris-tale or cube~talc dust nixtures containing the sane percentage of
rotenone. Of the three brands of cryolite used in the dust mixtures en-
ployed in these tests, the natural cryolite and the domestic synthetic cry-—
olite were slightly more effective than the imported synthetic cryolite.

INSECTS AFFECTING MAN AND ANIMALS

Field laboratory established at Nice, Galif.—-A new field laboratory
of this Division has been established at Nice, Calif., for the purpose of
investigating the biology and methods cf control of the Clear Lake gnat
(Chaoborus lacustris Freeborn), a nonbiting midge which breeds in enormous
numbers in Clear Lake. A. W. Lindquist, associate entonolo sist, has been
placed in charge.

are

Large numbers of rabbits killed by notorists.--D. C. Parman, of the
Uvalde, Tex., laboratory, reports thet the highway between Fort Stockton
and McConeyv, Tex., was literally covered during July with the carcasses of
Jack rabvits thet had been killed by automobiles, there sometines being 100
or more dead animals per mile. These carcasses are provavly breeding
enormous nuwibers of blowflies.

Parasites roleased for control of American dog tick.--During the spring
and summer of this year C. N. Smith, of the Vineyarc Haven, Mass., lsbora-
tory, has released about 40,000 specimens of Hunterellus hookeri Howe,
parasitic on the nymphal stage of Dermacentor varinbilis (Say), to cdeternine
whether the parasite will be able to survive in that locality and to test
the feasibility of this natural control over fairly large areas,

Freeing vegetation of ticks.--Results of preliminary tests made by

Mr. Smith on methods of ridcing vegetation of ticks have shown that nicotine
sulphcte (1-200) will keep vegetation free of ticks for approximately 72
hours, and that creosote oil, kerosene extract of pyrethrum, and aqueous so~
lutions of pyrethrun are effective fcr 24 hours.

Effect of synergized sprays on housefly.--Craig Easleson, of the
Dellas, Tex., laboratory, reports thet in a prelininory test with Musca do-
nestica L. in a closed barn a sonewhat longer time was required to produce
torpor with a spray of 50 mg pyrethrins per 100 cc, plus 10 percent synere
gist oil than with 100 ng pyrethrins per 100 cc sprays, but flies collected
15 minutes after spraying failed to revive uncer favorable conditions, The
reduction of pyrethrin content of synersized sprays to 50 ng per 100 cc re~
@uces the efficacy of the spray in open dairy barns,

FORSIGN PLANT QUARANTINES

Insects collected in Guan.-~The following insects were collected by
R. G. Onkley fron Novenber 1937 to May 1938 in the field in Guan: Aiolopus
tamulus (F.) on rice, Anonala sulcatula Burm. on lemon leaves, Clovia
euzenine Stal on leaves of Morinda citrifolia, Carins fabia (Stoll. ) in
okra pods, Engytatus tenuis (Reut.) on tobacco, Stiella zinckenolla (Treit)
(lina bean pod borer) in string bean pods, Eutochia lateralis Boh. on de~
caying grass, Heliothis obsoleta (F.) in tomato, Holotrichia mindanaona .
Brenske cn banana leaves and in soil, Leptocorisa acuta (Thunb.) on rice,
Limnogonus fossarun (F.) in water in rice field, Meganelus proserpina Kirk.
on leaves and stems of native taro, Frodenia litura Cie) on leaves of
Iponooca sp., Pyrausta nubilelis (Hbn.) in cornstalk, Scholastcs binaculatus
Hend, in decaying coconut pulp, Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard) (rede
banded thrips) on leaves of Bixa orellana, ond Tiracola plaziata (Wlk,) on
leaves of Ipomoea sp,

Interceptions at the Washington, D. C., Inspection House.--Owing to
the intensive inspection siven special permit and mail naterial at the In-
speetion House a great many interceptions are mace in proportion to the
quentity of miterial Fancled. Some of the nore interesting of these intere
ceptions which have not reccivea notice in the News Letter during the past
year are listed here. Aneuinn tritici (Stoind.) Filipjov was intercepted
in 10 lots of wheat. fron Afghanistan on December 17, 1937, anc in 11 lots

=o

from the sane country on February 23, 1938. Bunt (Tilletia laevis Kuehn)
wag found on a number of these lots of wheat. Although bos. h. diseases are.
present in this country, there is always danger of introducing new strains
from countries from which importation is unusual. Diplodia viticcla Desn.
was intercepted on Vitis sp. from Afghanistan on January 29. Ditylenchus:
saci (de Man) Filipjev was found in a lupine fron Holland on Novenber
LEO ATi. Home oncidii Griff. and Moubl. was intercepted on orchids
fron Brazil on May 4 and again, on two lots, on June 3, 1938. Hendcrsonia
packii Clinton Hoe) ameneeR aed on Loniccra tatarica froi: Sweden on February
18, Hoterodera narioni (Cornu) Goodey was intercepted in Anenone tessiri
from Gornany Fe oruary 7, in begonia fron. Janaica on June 22, in Coptis
quinguefolia from Japan on December 22, in Convolvulus incarms from England
on April 25, in Mclocactus matanzanus from Cuba on November 23, in Pachy-
sandra terminalis and Sarcocca ruscifolia from England on March 7, and in
THREE eloneratun fron Austria on Apron AN 15) ep to ways castanea (Spreng.)
Sacc. was found on oak leaves from England on March 11 ant L, macrotheciun
Fekl. on two lots of j;eonies from Japan on Novermor 30, xhabdospora ra mealis
Sacc. was intercepted: on Rubus sp. fron England on February 28.

intonolozical ingencent tens of interest.--Two larvae of the trypetid
Anastrepha morid inpracop tans Sein were intercented at El Paso, Tex., on
July 5, in a nango fruit in baggage from Mexico. An adult and pupa, both
living, of the Mediterranean fruitfly (Geratitis capitata Wied.) were inter-
cepted at Baltimore, Mc., on November 6, 1937, in quince in the nail fron
Italy. A living larva ofthe pink bollworn (Pectinophora gossypiclla Saunc. )
was taken at New York on June 13 in seed cotton in baggage from Uganda, Hast
Africa. Ten living larvae of the Asiatic rice borer Tax ein SLEDLC™ Butler)
arrived at Seattle, Wash.,.on May 20 in rice straw in cargo from Manchuria.
The rice straw was used as packing material for household soods. One living
and eight dead adults of Bruchus atomarius L. were found at Philadelphia
on May 2 in seeds of the flat pea (L Lathyrus sylvostris var. wagneri) in the
nail from Germany. Sixteon living adults of Callosobruchus ademptus (Sharp)
were .taken at Chicezo, I1ll., on May 3 in kudzu-bdean (Pueraria thunbergiana)
in the mail from the Netherlands. . Living specinens of the mango weevil
(Sternochetus mangiferae F.) wore intercepted at San Pedro, Calif., on
July 4 in mango seeds in ship's stores from the Philippines, A living
specinen of the acridid Paeniopoda auricornis (Walk.) arrived at Laredo,
Tex., om June 21 on bananas in cargo from Mexico. Living specimens of the
pentatonids Edessa cornuta Burm, and Mormnidea cubrosa (Data) were inter~
cepted at Nogales, Ariz., on June 9 on orchid plants in basesare from Mexico.
Living specimens of the scale insect Aspiciotus latastei Ckll. were found
at Washington, D. C.,on June 3 on an orchid i in express fron Brazil. This ©
species is not known to cccur in the United States. A living adult of the
weevil Motanasiopsis s decerpunctatus Charp. was intercepted at San Francisco
on Merch 2) ina plent (Brozieliaceae) in express from Mexico. This is new
to the National Museun Collection.

Pathological ir interce tions of f interest. --Aphelenchoides fragariae
(Ritzoma Bos) Christie was interceptea in beconia leaves from Yugoslavia on
August 2 at New York. Cronartiun ribicola Fisch. was intercepted on July ay
26 at New York on leaves of Ribes sp. from Germany. Ditylenchus internedius
(de Man) Filipjev was intercepted in Dioscorea sp. tubers from Puerto Rico ie
on June 20 at New York. Macrophoma candollei (B. & Br.) Berl and Vogl. was

~25-

intercepted on leaves of Buxus sempervirens used as packing for rosebuds |
in baggage from France on August 2 at New York. Phyllachora acaciae Henn.
was intercepted on Acacia farnesiana from Mexico on July 4 at Brownsville.
Ramularia cynarae Sacc. was found at Philadelphia on July 16 on globe arti-
chokes from Italy. Rotylenchus bradys (Steiner and Le Hew) Filipjev was
intercepted in Dioscorea sp. tubers from Puerto Rico on June 6 and June 20
at Now York. Septoria betae Westd. was intercepted on July 13 at El Paso
on chard leaves from Mexico. A severe spotting of lemon from Italy was ro
ferred to specialists in the Bureau of Plant Industry, who reported that.
S. limonum Pass. appeared to approach the specimen most nearly. S. pasti-
nacac Wost. was found on parsnip lenves from Denmark on July 7 at Boston.

DOMESTIC PLANT QUARANTINES

Grasshopper baiting effects control.~-Effective baiting for grass—
hoppers had given a high degree of control throughout the infested regions
at the close of July. Im areas where idle lands greatly predominated, the
baiting was effective until dry weather forced hordes of the hoppers into
the crops. In the Rocky Mountain area infestations of species other than
Dissosteira longipennis Thos. were largely locslized on irrigated lands and
good control was obtained for different crops, with unusually high savings
of alfalfa.

2 seein Missis-—
sippi Valley areas localized outbreaks have resulted from short periods of
favorable hatching weather. Repeated baiting has accomplished a high de-~
gree of control and is continued for the prolonged hatch, as well as the
normally late species of grasshoppers.

Grasshopper situation in the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Montana.--Enormous
populations of Melanoplus mexicanus Sauss. developed in the current season

on idle lands in western parts of the Dakotas and eastern areas of Wyoming
and Montane, making it physically impossible for the farmers to bait the ex-
tensive areas with available man power. Crops and range lands carried nopu-
lations of fron 10 to 30 per square yard, and field margins and roadsides
populations up to 60. General migrations of adults in July are attributed
to build-up populations in past years, a long egeé-laying season in 1937,
favorable hatching conditions in 1938, anc abundant succulent vegetation in
the prosent season, In brief dry periods the hoppers migrated to the crops.
Some protection was obtained by repeated baiting of adjacent lands.

liigratory grasshoppers controlled.--Concerning activities in the ni-
gratory grasshopper area, VW. E. Dove, ficld project leador, writes: "The
southeastern section of Colorado, the northeastern section of New Mexico,
and the Panhandle counties of Texas bordering New Mexico have kept up an
efficiont boubardnent and superiority of fire through bnit-spreading opera-
tions which remind cne of reel warfare. National Guard trucks, as well as
trucks fron all sgencics interested in agriculture, wore found hauling bait
materials or mixec bait, while smaller trucks and passenger cars pulled
bait spreaders in line formation to cover these extensive neroages. This
york: cnlled for funds from overy available source and civic clubs, dances,
popular subscriptions, and other sources wore used in supplying the necessary
funds for local needs. * * * A high dogree of control was obtained for this
species (Dissosteira longipennis Thos.) in all three States."

OES

Mornon cricket control work closing.--Dusting operations, which have
been carried on in the current season throughout the infested States, are
approaching completion and preparations are being made for the adult and
ege surveys. Men and supplies are kept available, however, for immediate
usc in case further nigrations threaten crops. Very satisfactory control
has been reported from most of the areas. By the close of the month ar-
rongenents were being made for collecting and storing dusting materials,
metal barriers, and equipment remaining in the field at the close of the
season,

Observations on Mormon erickets.—-Crickets in Crooks County, Wyo.,
apparently dying fron infestations of red nites, were found in most cases
to contain unusual water sacs in the fore abdominal cavity above the crop.
When the body of a cricket was opened the sacs protruded like a pair of
wings. Concerning range injury on experimental plots in Nevada, it is ree
ported thst "much bluegrass which was cropped close to the ground by
crickets early in the season will never recover. <A lone cottonwocd at
Indian Springs was observed to be partially defoliated. Injury to sage-
brush was noted and crickets vere observed feeding on the flowers of As-
clepins and Helianthus, as well as on oats and wheat. Alfalfa, potatoes,
wetermelons, onions, peas, and sweet corn were observed to be damaged by
cricket feeding." Favorite places for liormon crickets to deposit their
eggs, according to observations in Utah, are rocky south slopes of hills,
also hard roadbeds.

More white-fringec beetle infestotions.--White-fringed beetles have
recently been found on several propertics in Bolton, Hinds County, Miss.
(about 150 miles north-northwest of Gulfport), ropresenting the most
northerly infestation located thus far. An area of approximately 200 acres
is known to be infested-and the linits are not yet determined. Owing to
proxinity of the infestation to the Mississippi Delta, inmediate action

was taken to start dusting operations and to insure the cleaning up of rail-

roac. yards and other industrial prenises, the owners cooperating fully.

An infestation was also located in Pearl River County, in southern Missis-—
sippi. The well-developed inspection activities now under way in the State
include both a survey campaign throughout the State, assisted by publice
spirited organizations and citizens, and a systematized inspection on the
part of Federal and State inspectors. Similar work is carried on in other
known infested States and spot inspections are being made in Georgia,
Texas, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

White-fringed bectle emersence.—--The peak of emergence of white-fringed ;

beetles at Florala, Ala., occurred July 12=20, whereas the maximum cner-
gence over the known infested areas was reported as July 10-25.
White-fringed beetle control.~-Spraying of railroad rights-of-way
with oil emulsion was continued in July at Pensacola, Fla., and Florala
and Lockhart, Ala., effecting on some areas a 50—percent kill of beetles
and destroying their food plants. Calcium arsenate dust was applied to.
areas in New Orleans, La., Gulfport and Laurel, Miss., and Glendale, Fla.
Cultivated fields in Alabama and Florida were redisked. Barrier furrows
were constructed around infested areas at Laurel, Miss., and the boundary

a

vegetation dusted. Measures were taken to reduce beetle populations at

Sei

Gulfport, Saucier, McHenry, and Landon, Miss., as well as precautions to
prevent their spread through the movenent of arny troops encamping in
southern Mississippi. Immediate control neasures were applied to city
blocks in Pensacola and to places in New Orleans fron which spread would
be most likely, such as shipping centers, tourist camps, docks, and vacant
lots near nurseries.

Peach mosaic inspection.--During July inspection for the peach mosaic
disease was nade jointly with the States of Arizona, California, Colorado,
Idaho, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. No nosaie disease has been
founc in Idaho. All diseased trees are »Deing removed at the time of in-
spection in Colorado, Utah, and Oklahoma. The renoval of diseased and aban-
Coned trees throughout the infected States is under way with the services
of 161 relief employees. The interest of cooperating States, counties, and
growers is denonstrated in the fact that a greater percentage of the in~
fected trees was removed to the close of June 1938 than in the sane period
in 1937. The environs of nurseries and budwood sites are thoroughly in-
spected for a radius of 1 nile, as provided in standardized State quaran-
tines, and an inventory of the nurscries that failed to meet the quaran-
tine requirenents is being kept. It is believed that this will naterially
reduce the possibilities of artificial spread.

Nursery inspection for phony peach @isease.--The environs of 638 nur-

series in over 200 counties in 13 States have been inspected in the current
field ssason and all of the 1,829 phony trees foune in the 2«Bile radius of
such nurseries were removed prior to June 30, the deadline date prescribed
in quarantines of several States. This is the first time in the history of
the project that removal of every diseased tree has been accomplished by
that date. The inspection covered 1,500,000 trees on 11,000 properties.
Sinilar work is under way in States whcse quarantines provide for renoval
of diseasec trees at a later date.

Phony peach disense reduced.--In addition to work in the vicinities
of nurseries, inspection is under way on all properties found infected since
1929 in the lightly infected States and since 1935 in those more generally
infected. Results thus far show a decided reduction in the disease, as
compared with previous years. Ultimate eradication of the phony peach
disease is considered entirely possible.

Svweetpotato weevil control for the past year.--A sumiary of the activi--
ties for control of the sweetpotato weevil since the project was authorized

by Congress on July 1, 1937, prepared by the field project leacer, T. R.
Stephens, shows that surveys have been made in 172 counties of Alabama,
Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, for the purpose of deternining
the northern boundary of the infestations, 2nd the areas where eradication
would be carried on. Thirty-three counties were found infested, with
property infestations of 2,555. The surveys included inopections of secd-
beds, field, storage, and wild host plants. Volunteer sweetpotato plants
and wild hosts have been destroyed on lmown infested properties and those
adjacent. Infested fields, storage Danks, and seedbeds have been cleaned
up and growers assisted in sanitation practices. The use of 59,000 sweet—
potatoes as traps in cleaned fields captured 24,000 weevils. Alabana and
Geor-sia sponsored W. P. A. projects on the eradication work. A uniforn State

-23—

quarantine standardizing the regulatory and control work was adopted by
the States. Work has been carried on jointly with the affected States to
whose generous contributions is attributed a 2arge part of the success ate.
tained thus far in the control of the weevil.

Citrus canker eradication.--Work in Juno was confined to the Texas
counties of Brazoria, Hardin, Harris, and Jefferson, with thorough in-
spection in the city of Houston, where several old locations of trifoliates
were found. In cooperation with the State, 629 properties were inspected
during the month and 120,000 host trees destroyed, including escaped and un-
cultivated trees and several thousand abandoned nursery trees in Hardin
County. Canker was found in Harris County on six citrus seedlings on a
formerly infected property. They had just come up from seed balls appar-
ently 3 years old. A second: round of sterilization of infected properties
with pear burners in Brazoria County, where incipient infections have been
recurring since 1945 from old canker areas, failed to show any indications
of the disease. <All the work was carried on in the noncommercial citrus
areas.

Dopson reassigned to citrus canker project.--R. N. Dopson was agoin
placed in charze of the citrus canker eradication project on July 16, with
headquarters at Houston, Tex., inasmuch as the services of W. R. Heard, ©
who has been in charge of the project since last March, are needed on white-
fringed beetle control.

Live Japanese beetles in railway cars.--Twenty-one live Japanese
beetles had been found up to the close of July at transit-inspection points

in the Midwest, in cars of produce arriving from the heavily infested
areas. The number of produce cars from the East is less than half the
usual movenent, the Chicago inspectors report, as growing conditions in
the Midwest have been excellent this year.

Sia oe

Nursery-stock shipping season is good.-~Movement of nursery stock
throughout the Central States was unusually good during the last spring
and fall shipping seasons, while the percentage of violations on the part
of commercial shippers showed a decided decrease, according to the report
of the Chicago office for the last fiscal year. Of the 500,000 shipments
inspected at central and southern points, it is reported that 1,264 were
in violetion of Federal quarantines, and many others represented infringe-
ments of State pest-control regulations. States have cooperated through
the assignnent of inspectors to assist in the project.

More forest=-plant products observed in transit.--Several New England
establishments which ship such products of forest trees as wood shavings,
sawdust, cross’ tieg,and slabs, have recently been placed on the "current
inspection list" for gypsy moth inspection at origin, as a result of in-
formation supplied by transit inspectors at Boston as to the interstate
movenient of such products.

Assistance in Japanese beetle trapping.--Inspectors of the Division
of Domestic Flant Quarantines have cooperated with the Japanese beetle con=
trol project during the current season dy placing and tending traps for the
beetles at 10 points in the South and West where such inspectors are stationed. —

eee

esg=
CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

Colorado potato beetle inactive during summer nonths.--High sumicr
temperatures are alnost as important as low winter temperatures in causing
dornancy of the Colorado potato beetle at Sanford, Fla. M. C. Swingle, of
the Sanford laboratory, reports that in laboratory rearing of the species
nost of the adults entered the soil in May and June, although a small per-
centaze, almost 10 weeks old, are still crawling about in the cages. These
adults oviposit very rarely, and feeding is definitely less than under
optimum conditions. Periodic exposure of the dormant adults to low ten-
perature in the refrigerator has arrested the dormant period in a few tests,
but the adults do not oviposit nor feed normally at the high room tempera-
ture. It appears probable that the dormant adults become active late in
the fall, in contrast to their behavior in the Northern States.

INSECTICIDES INVESTIGATIONS

Structure of pyrethrins.--The structure of pyrethrin I and pyrethrin
II, the active principles of pyrethrun flowers, has not been fully eluci-.
dated. F. B. LaForzge and H. L. Haller have just published their twelfth
contribution to the study of this problon (Jour. Organ. Chen., vol. 2, no.
6, pp. 546-559, January 1938). Their conclusion is that the formula pro-
posed in 1924 by Staudinger an@ Ruzicka is not correct.

Determination of small quantitics of methyl bromide in air.--The work
of this Bureau has shown that methyl bromide is an effective funigont for
several insects infesting vegetable products and that it coes not injure
green vegetables. Methyl bromide is now being used on a large scale for
the funigation of potatoes in railroad cars. In the studies of this ma-
terial as a funigant it is important that the exact concentration in the |
space being fumigated be known. A method for determining small quantities
of nethyl bromide in air has just been published by R. L. Busbey and N. L.
Drake of this Division (Indus. Engin. Chen., Anal. Ed. vol. 10, no. 7, pp.
390-392, July 15, 1938). The netkod consists in saponifying the nethyl
bronide by alcoholic potassiun hydroxide, removal of the alcohol, oxida-
tion of the bronide to bromate by sodium hypochlorite, and iodonetric ti-
tration of the bronate,.

“4

Codling moth studics.--J. &. Fahey and H. 7. Rusk, in cooperation with ©
L. F. Steiner and R. F. Sazana of the Division of Fruit Insect Investigations,
have been studying the larvicidal efficiency of various sprays as affected
by the factors of growth, rainfall, and tino of applicntion, It was found
that the surface area of the apples doubled during the week after the first
cover spray and increased five times in the first 4 weeks, A report of
these studics is published in the Transnctions of the Indiana Horticultural
Society for the Year 1937 (pp. 88-89).

Compounds of peat with alkaloids.--L. N. Markwood on July 12, 1938,
was granted U. S. Patont 2,123,248, which covers the substantially water~
insoluble reaction products of peat with organic bases of the @roup consist—
ing of arecoline, anabasine, codeine, ethylene diamine, and piperidine. One
of the objects of this invention is to provide means for rendering these bases
less soluble in water, the free bases themselves being soluble.

Their

(Om

usefulness and application are thus increased, as in the ficld of veterinary
medicine where they offer possibilitics in the control of internal para~
sites, when administered in a substantially insoluble forn.

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS

An important lepidopterous insect from Guan,--Moths, larvac, and
pupae reared from string beans on the islanc of Guam and subnitted by R. G.
Oakley, of the Division of Foreign Plant Quarantines, have been identified
by Carl Heinrich as Cryptophlebia carpophaga Walsinghan (fanily Olethreu-
tidae). There are other specimens of this species in the National Col-
lection from India, Guam, and China. It is apparently widely distributed
in the Indo-Malayan region and has been reared from Parkinsonia and Bau-
hinia pods, fruits of Aegle narmelos, litchi seeds, and pods of Cassia
fistula and several species of Acacia. The recorc from string beans is
apparently new. C. carpophnga has been listed as a synonym of illepida |
Butler (described from Hawaii) and under the latter name has figured fre-
quently in economic literature. The synonyny, however, is very doubtful.

The range of Anastrepha species ¥ extendec..—--A single specinen of
this striking species that has been trapped so frequently in the lower Rio
Grande Valley and at the Hacienda Santn Engracin, Tamaulipas, has been sent
in from Panana by Janes Zetek. This was trapped on June 15, 1938, at La
Campana, Panama, associated with 13 other species, 5 of which are unde-
scribed. As a result of this record, Alan Stone states that there are now
only two species of Anastrepha--A. ludens anc A. pallens~-that occur in the
Rio Grande Valley but do not occur in Panana or farther south. ;

Ants attacking screwvorn flies.~--The Division of Insects Affecting
Man and Animals subnitted for determination ants collected on July 8, 1936,
at Menard, Tex., by Roy Melvin, who reported that they were attacking
newly emerged adults of the primary screwwornm (Cochlionyia americana C.
and P.). The ants were determined by M. R. Snith as BEciton (Labidus)
caecun (Latr.). Mr. Melvin stated that the ants attacked the flies as they
energed from buckets of sand placed 25 feet deep in an old well.

New host record for an aphid.--Specimens of an aphid taken at quaran-
tine on turnips fron the Netherlands (Norfolk No. 4066) were determined
by P. W. Mason as Rhopalosiphoninus tulipaella (Theob.). This species is
usually found on bulbous floral plants such as tulips, Iris, Gladiolus,
and Muscari. The National Collection contains one lot taken on beets fron
Holland in 1932,

~--000——-

Siro

: lV | i! op ie yd
a\" :

ie OCT |

4
oO 1938 ey
cat of

UNITED STATES | % % Devan ut
DerARTMENT OF AGK fouls URE

BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
Dewees) lode TT

FOR AUGUST 1938

a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a ae a a a ee eee ee

DR. L. 0. HOWARD HONORED IN MEXICO

On September 3, 1938, ceremonies were held in Mexico City dedi-
cating the Leland Ossian Howard Entomological Laboratory of the National
Polytechnic Institute of Mexico. American ambassador Daniels presented
one of the principal acdresses on this occasion. He said in part: "I
regard it as both an honor end a privilege to speak for my countrymen on
the occasion when Mexican men of letters and scientific attainment have
given a signal token of esteem and appreciation to a distinguished
American scientist. It is rare that. any nation testows permanent dis-
tinction to a great man of another country by giving his name to one of
its buildings. In this act Mexico records its acknowledgment, in its
National Polytechnic Institute, that scientific discoveries are the
possession of all men in every ciime, and makes this recognition in the
most enduring and visible form.

"Conferring the name Howard upon your entomological laboratory
is but one of many significant acts which bind Mexico and the United
States together in common devotion to culture and science. The stronger
these mutual bonds, the surer is the spirit of the Good Neighbor ad-
vanced and undergirded on both sides of the Rio Grande."

FRUIT INSECT INVSSTIGATIONS

Plum curculio enters hibernation by midsummer.--As jarring peach
trees after harvest in 1955 and 1936 for marked curculios and diligent
searches under peach trees and around the border of peach orchards during
the late summers of 1936 and 1937 failed to locate plum curculio adults,
Oliver I. Snapp and J. RK. Thomson, Jr., undertook an investigation at
Fort Valley, Ga., this year to determine definitely where the curculio is
after the harvest of the last maturing variety of peach in that locality.
About 1 month after harvest a quantity of fallen leaves was raked up from
a hedge row bordering an Elberta peach orchard in which the population of
new (first-generation) curculios had been very heavy during peach harvest.
Exanin: tion of this debris yieldod a nunber of curculio adults, indicating
that adults of this insect begin to enter hibernation in nidsurmner in
central Georgia, within a month after the completion of peach harvest. This
is the reason why in some years very few curculios are found on peach trees
shortly after harvest.

mou

Survival of Japanese beetle eggs and larvae in commercial molding
sands,--I. M. Hawley has reported on some studies at the Moorestown, N. J.
laboratory, to determine whether Japanese beetle eggs could hatch and the
larvae survive in various types of moist molding sand handled under con-
mercial conditions. These types of molding sand ordinarily are free fron
organic or vegetable matter. Of 1,400 eggs under observation in the sev-
eral types of molding sand, 1,110 hatched. Of the 1,110 larvae obtained,
only 27 were alive at the time of the first examination, made 8 to 11 days
after the eggs hatched and at the tine of the second examination, made 13
to 16 days after the eggs had hatched, none of the 27 were alive. None
of the larvae ever developed to the point of transforming to the second
instar. It is evident that, although eggs will hatch in the several types
of molding sand tested and the larvae will live for a relatively short
time, the absence of organic matter suitable for larval food prevents ex-
tended development.

ir YT

laboratory at Mocrestown during August a total of 9,539 females of the
Koiwai strain of Tiphia popilliavora Roh., an imported hymenopterous para-
site, were collected in the field. This material was used to forn 94
colonies, each consisting of 100 mated females. These colonies were lib-
erated in the areas heavily infested by the Japanese beetle, as follows:
64 colonies in Maryland, 18 colonies in Connecticut, and 12 colonies in
Westchester County, N. Y. This parasite belongs to the digger-wasp group
and attacks the Japanese beetle in the larval stage in the soil. In
addition, seven colonies of reared nated remales of the Korean strain of
T, popilliavora, each colony consisting of 100 individuals, were liberated
in Pennsylvania.

Flight of the saw—toothed grain beetle.--It is generally believed
that Oryzaephilus surinanensis (L.) cannot fly. As this is by far the

most numerous insect in stored raisins the year following harvest, the
laboratory at Fresro has been making observations in a raisin-storage

yard by means of a rotary net to determine definitely, if possible, the
inability of the insect to fly. This point is important because if the
species cannot spread by flight, barriers can be used to keep it out of
raisins that have been cleaned by means of the raisin-cleaning machine de-
veloped at the laboratory. Catches collected daily, with a few exceptions,
from April 14 to August 31 have contained saw-toothed grain beetles as fol-
lows, according to records made by Dwight F. Barnes and George H. Kaloo-—
stian; April, 0; May, 1; June, 0; July, 20; August,151. When compared with
the enormous numbers of saw-toothed grain beetles in raisins stored in
open-sided stacks in the yard where the net is being operated, the above
figures are negligible, but they do indicate that a very small percentage
of the beetles move through the air, probably by use of their wings rather
than by drifting in air currents.

—3-

MEXICAN FRUIT FLY CONTROL

Insect populations ebb in lower Rio Grande Valley.--There was a
decided reduction in the nunber of insects taken in traps during August.

The high fly population present in Laredo and Matanoros @Quring June and
July reached a very low ebb soon after the first of the month. Throughout
the latter half of August no Anastrepha ludens Loew were taken there. In
the lower part of the valley a linited number of Anastrepha spp. were
trapped. The Mexican fruit fly, however, was not present in these collec-
tions. All indications point to another bumper citrus crop. Rains during
the last week in August have started the fruit to growing and will cause
it to size earlier. Estimates made by various agencies place the probable
production in excess of 42,000 equivalent carloads. Results of trapping
and fruit examination are summarized in the attached tables.

Species : Texas : Mexico
Adults trapped : s H
A. ludens-------------------------- sine. pews
A. serpentina Wied~----------------- - 9 - 6)
A. spp. "L"~----------------------- : 5 : 2
A. sp. "n sp,"--------------------- ea a : )
A. pallens Coq--------~------------- eras 0155 é 30
Total----~---~----------------- queen - 98
Larvae collected : : ne
A. ludens-------------------------= : 0) H 97
A. serpentina---------------------- : O H ONE
A. sp. not ludens------------------ : ©) Sb kShe
hh sail Se eee tae. RRS 21,291

"Not in regulated area.
CEREAL AND FORAGZ INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Three generations of Suropean corn borer observed in southern New
Jersey.—--C. A. Clark, Moorestowm, N. J., says it has been established
definitely that the European corn borer can produce at least a partial
third generation annually in southern New Jersey. This information was ob-
tained fron frequent and extensive field cbservations, supplemented by
plot studies at the Moorestown laboratory in 1938. The oviposition period
of the second generation in New Jersey this year extended from July 25 to
August 20, with the peak of egg deposition occurring during the last 3
days in July. Pupation of the second generetion reached 12 percent in
sone fields by Ausust 23. Moth emergence had started and fresh egzs of
the third generation were also found on that date.

Hieh infestation of corn borer in New Jersey.-- Br. Clark reports
that a large number of fields of sweet and field corn are very heavily in-

fested by the Suropean corn borer in New Jersey again this year. One

a

1Q-acre field of dent corn, examined near Hightstown, averaged 34 borers
per plant, with every plant infested. Fields with an average infestation
of 10-15 borers per plant are common.

Imported parasites of corn borer well established and spreading in
Hastern States.-Mr, Clark says thatat theclose of 1937 five larval para-
sites of Pyrausta nubilalis Hbn., imported from Europe and the Orient,
have become established in the eastern portions of the territory infested
by the European corn borer and that four of these species had apread over
a considerable area. The tachinid Lydella grisescens R. D. was found over
an area of at least 837 square miles and the ichneumonid Inarecolata punc-
toria Roman. had dispersed over an area of not less than 756 square miles.
The polyembryonic braconid Macrocentrus gifuensis Ashm. continued to in-
erease rapidly in numbers and this parasite had become present in an area
of over 278 square miles in southeastern Massachusetts. Chelonus annuli-
pes Wesm., a braconid which attacks the eggs of the borer and subsequently
destroys the host larva, was recovered from an area of 85 square niles,
although it is probably present over a much larger area. The ichneumonid
Crenastus flavoorbitalis (Cameron) maintained itself in Massachusetts but
failed to increase in measurable numbers. A maximum parasitization by
all species of 56.3 percent was recorded from one collection of borer lar-
vae made at Taunton, Mass., in the fall of 1937. In order fo obtain the
- above data on establishment and spread of parasites, collections totaling
21,190 larvae of the corn borer from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Con-
necticut, New Jersey, and Virginia were reared.

Midsummer pupation of Huropean corn borer in early sweet corn.-—

A. M. Vance, Toledo, Ohio, reports that pupation of the corn borer in
early market sweet corn near Toledo late in July and early August averaged
11.3 percent, according to random counts, involving 4,398 individuals,
taken in the course of an infestation survey of 25 fields. On the basis

of comparable data, midsummer pupation in early sweet corn in the same
section in 1936 and 1937 was significantly less, averaging 6.2 and 8.7
percent for the 2 years, respectively. Pupation occurred in all 25 fields
examined in 1938, ranging in individual fields from a minimum of 4 to a
maxinun of 24 percent. In 8 fields of early sweet corn surveyed near San-
dusky, Ohio, Aucust 2-3, a total of 994 individuals were examined and an
average of 6.3 percent pupation found, L. A. Carruth, of the Geneva, N.
Y., Agricultural Experiment Station, furnished data taken July 22-30 in
New York State, which indicated percentages of pupation averaging 11.9

(for 7 fields), 7.6 (for 12 fields), and 6.9 (for 8 fields), in early sweet
corn grown in Schenectady, Albany, and Coluibia Counties, respectively. The
above data are evidence of a partial second generation of the corn borer

in 1938 in portions of the Lake States area.

Susceptible modifiers evident in wheat found resistant to hessian
fly.—-W. B. Cartwright, Lafayette, Ind., reports that a hyorid fo family
representing a cross of Ill. No. 1, W 38, a strain resistant to hessian fly,
with Dawson, a susceptible variety, has shown an excessive nunber of plants
susceptible to fly in a greenhouse. test at Lafayette. This is believed to
indicate that the resistance of Ill. No. 1, W 38 is modified by susceptible
. genes. Susceptibility is reflected also in the population of flies established
in individual hybrid plants in the same test, as indicated below.

: sAverage fly
arents ond hybrid : Plnnts ; larvae per
:infestedsinfested plant
- &Percent: Nanber
Ill. No. 1, W 38-------------- : 57 H aie
Dawson, ©. I. 3342—-------—--+- £0100) +a &.4

Dawson x Ill. No. 1, W 38, Fo-: 85 8.0

High type of resistance to hessian fly recorded for wheat strain
FPI 94587.-—Mr. Cartwright also reports thet foreign plant introduction No.
94587, a durun wheat, has not deviated fron zero plant infestation to
hessian fly in tests at Lafayette in 1938. In contrast, other resistant
wheats, as I11. No. 1, W 38, Java C. I. 10051, and Marquillo C. I. 6887,
have shown a marked decline or unstableness of resistance when small endo
sperm secdlings were subjected to the fly in greenhouse tests. The con-
trast of F. P. I. 94587 with other resistant types in 1938 is shown nore
fully in the sumuary below.

sApr.-—May § :May—June July-August

: : :ficld test,:greenhouse : greenhouse test,
Variety or strain

: plants ttest, plantsé plents
s infested $ infested 3: infested
* Percent * Percent : Percent
Acme-------------------~------- cic H -- : 100
aE 6 tle ONS na ee : 0) : == : 0
111. No. 1 x (NorkaxCarina)---: 0: : -~ : 85
Tll. No. 1, V 38-------------- : 0) ; a5) : 57
Java, €. I. 10051----------_-- - 4 2 71 : 59
BervelerOei. os 1622=———-— = — - 2 - 78 5 69
Marquillo, C. I. 6887--------- : 2 : 61 : 90
Thatcher, C. I. 10003 (Sus- : : -
ceptible check)-~------------ ; 65 : 100 - 100

Cube dust (rotenone 5 percent, other ether extracts 10 percent ) not
effective against alfalfa caterpillar.--L. G. Jones, Sacramento, Calif., re=
ports laboratory anc field tests completed during the period July 20 to
August 10, with cube dust applied to growing alfalfa at the rate of 4O pounds
per acre (rotenone 0.32-5.0 percent) disclosed that rotenone did not cause
satisfactory nortality of all larval instars and of pupae of the alfalfa
caterpillar. In these tests the cube dust or concentrate was diluted with
varying percentages cf talc, sulphur, and wheat flour. No kill was noted in
any rotencne combination with these materials nor from the undiluted cube
(5-percent rotenone) dust.

High yield of grain by fly-resistont and rust-resistant Marquillo-

pleted by J. H. Parker, agrononist at the Kansas experinent station. Four

-6-

F¢ hessian fly and rust-resistant Marquillo-winter wheat hybrids included

in this test and developed in a joint project with the Kansas Experiment
Station and the Bureau of Flant Industry, gave relatively high yields of
grain. Three different:selections of Marquillo x Oro ranked fourth, sixth,
and seventh, with yields of 39.8, 39.4, and 39.2 bushels per acre. A se-
lection of Marquillo x Tenmarq yielded 35.8 bushels per acre and ranked
thirteenth in this test, where the highest yielding variety, Hope x Kawvale,
produced 45 bushels per acre. Grain produced by the Marquillo hybrids ap-
peared to be of high quality and good type.

The devastating grasshopper widespread in California.--C. C. Wilson,
Sacramento, Calif., reports that Melanoplus devastator Scudd. has spread
from the foothill-grass land, its natural habitat, into grain fields and
into adjacent cultivated crops until at present it has invaded from 5
million to 8 million acres of territory. The infestation is general through-
out the grazing lands in the foothills, both east and west of the Sierra
Nevada Mountains, and also thousands of acres are infested in Siskiyou, San
Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties. In Kern
County alone more than a million acres are infested by the devastating grass-—
hopper. The density of grasshopper population averaged 27 per square yard
in many areas of 5 to 5,000 acres; however, in general it averaged from 1
to 5 per square yard. Damage has been confined largely to the range grasses,
although in some instances fruit and shade trees have been defoliated and
crops adjacent to heavily infested range lands slightly damaged.

JAPANESE BEETLE CONTROL

More Dutch elm disease confirmations in Dutchess County, N. Y.--In
the newly ciscovered infected region of Dutchess County six infected trees
were discovered in August, the first in Pleasant Valley Township, about 25
miles northeast of the confirmed elms previously located west of Nether-
wood, N. Y. In Lagrange Towmship a second confirmation, discovered by the
autogiro, is located on the east bank of Wappinger Creek, slightly over $
mile north of the main line of the railroad at Arlington, N. J. The third
confirmation, a first find in Clinton Township, is located about 4 mile
north of Schultzville. The other three in Dutchess County were found in
Hyde Park. One is located a few hundred feet north of a recent confirma-
tion on a nearby estate. The rapid spread of disease in Dutchess County
probably may be attributed to the general use of dead elm for fuelwood.
Inspection of one pile of firewood revealed that half of it was eln,
covered with bark-beetle galleries.

Dutch elm disease infections in Connecticut.--Confirnation of a
diseased case in Danbury, Fairfield County, the first in that town, added
45.38 square miles to the infected zone and 19.92 square niles in the town
of Brookfield to the protective arca. A later first confirmation of a
Graphium case in North Branford Township, New Haven County, added 25.78
square miles to the infected zone and 37.40 square miles to the protective
area. A first survey of all the towmships in the heavily diseased area of
Connecticut was completed on August 2. The data show that 9.6 samples per
square mile were collected in this area, as compared to 5.8 samples per
square nile for the same area in the first survey last season.

——

ae

Heavy infection of Dutch elm disease in New Jersey.--Confirmations
for the 4-week period ended August 27 revealed 5,594+ elm trees infected in
New Jersey. In 1 week's scouting some 200 confirmations were obtained in
Clinton and Readington Townships, Hunterdon County. Autoeiro scouting lo-
cated six confirmations in Ringwood Township and one in West Milford,
Passaic County, and two confirmations in Vernon, Sussex County. Two confir-
mations were also located in Blairstown, Warren County, one in the village
of Blairstown, not scouted by the autogiro, and the other a small tree under
a large elm located by the autogiro. All counties are now engazed on their
second going-over.

More confirmations in Pennsylvania.--The two confirmed trees re-
ported last month in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County, were
removed and burned by August 9. Two additional confirmations were reported
from this township and were eradicated by the end of the month. Two
Graphium-infected trees were reported for a first record in Bucks County.
One was discovered in Upper Makefield Township, the other in Lower Make-
field Township. Both were eradicated by the end of the month.

Extension in Indianapolis infected zone.--A confirmation near the
Hancock County line in Marion County, Ind., extended the known area of

disease 6 miles to thenortheast. This is an extonsion of 7 niles north-
east from any diseased trees found in 1937. A total of 8 diseased trees

was reported for Indianapolis for the month, raising the total to 31 for

this year.

Increase in sampling of wilted elms.--More twiz samples had been
submitted to the laboratory by August 13 than were submitted during the en-

tire 1937 season. A total of 6,042 confirmations was reported by the lab-
oratory during the 4 weeks ended Ausust 27.

Freak gypsy moth deposits.--iwhile checking camps at a public camp-
ing ground located on Mount Tom Reservation in Holyoke, hiass., the district

inspector noted that 4 sypsy moth ese clusters had been deposited on a
looking-glass henging on a tree. Another inspector while on duty at a nur-
sery in Abington, Mass., discovered an egg cluster deposited on the running
board of an automobile used locally.

C. C. C. camp equipment found infested.--Last spring several build
ings of an abandoned C. C. C. camp, located in Wilmington, Vt., were dis-

mantled and stored near oak trees at a camp in Bellows Falls, Vt. After the
&ypsy moth egg-laying season, two of these buildings were moved to Lunen-
burg, Vt., and on inspection were found to be infested with 7 new egg clus-
ters.

Gypsy moth infestation on lumber shipments.--During August, 11 car-
loads of lumber, shipped from various stations in Maine, were found infested
with different stages of the sypsy noth. One shipment fron Westcott, Maine,
earried 1 larva, 32 egg clusters, and 29 pupae. The first infested lot of
nursery stock to be presented for inspection was examined at Fryeburg, Maine.

Ou

Unusual gypsy moth infestation in Connecticut.--Complete defolia-
tion was in evidence in two sections of an area of over 2,200 acres in the

town of Gronby, Conn. At Camp Robinson, East Hartland, Conn. from 20,000
to 25,000 ezg clusters a day have been creosoted,

Swarning Japanese beetles on steamships outbound from New York.—-
First evidence that Japanese beetles were swarming over Upper and Lower New
York Bays and out over "The Narrows" in sufficient numbers to.infest pass-—-
ing vessels was contained in a report by W. J. Douglass, of the Division of
Foreien Plant Quarantines at Norfolk, Va. On July 29 Mr. Douglass observed
Japanese beetles, one of which was alive, on three vessels arriving at Nor-
folk from New York. The one live beetle was picked up from the deck of
the first vessel examined. A solitary dead beetle was found on the deck
of another ship. On the third ship 300 dead beetles were found on the deck, 7)
In New York there was a heavy flight of adults on July 28, the date the . ‘
latter ship sailed. The ship, left the pier at 11335 a.m, and was en route
out of the harbor until shortly after 5 p.m., during the heat of the day.
That day catches of 80 quarts of beetles in 200 traps operated by the Arny
post at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, and capture of approximately 30
quarts in 1930 traps operated at Fort Hamilton, Long Island, were recorded.
These forts are on either side of "The Narrows." At Fort Jay, Governor's
Island, 44 quarts of beetles were caught in 80 traps, making a grand total
for the day of over 500,000 beetles capturaiin 410 traps. Transportation
of beetles on northbound boats was also reported by Leonard S. McLaine,
chief of the Plant Frotection Division, Canacian Department of Agriculture.
Inspectors of the Civision found 25 live and 51 dead beetles on the upper
decks of coastwise vessels arriving at the port. of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Six ani 17 dead beetles were also found on the decks of two cruise ships
arriving at the ports of Quebec end Montreal. Officials of the Bermuda De-
partment of Agriculturé are also concerned about the possibility of beetles
being spread to the island by vessels arrivins from the heavily infested
New York area. About the middle of July it was reported to the Bermuda
authorities that large numbers of beetles were invading the vessels of the
Furness-Bornuda Line'while the ships were in dock in New York, and also
while the boats were proceeding dowm the bay and along the New Jersey
coast. According to eye witnesses, large swarms invaded the decks. No
beetles were observed to invade the interior of the vessels or the state-
roons and none were seen alive after the first day out. <A careful search
of the vessels while berthed at Bermuca revealed no living beetles but
about 50 deac beetles were found in the lifeboats and on the lifeboat decks
of two vessels. On August 23 John M. Woterston, plant pathologist of the
Berituéa Department of Agriculture station at Paget Hast, and Charles A.
Baker, also encaged in agricultural work on the island, visited the Japa-
nese beetle area and were shown the conditions of infestation surrounding
New York Harbor. The object of their trip was to investigate the possi-
bility of beetles being spread to Berrmda. Few beetles were recovered at
Bernuda after August 11 and on August 15 only six beetles were taken fron
both vessels. No further specimens were founc after that date.

frap-scouting for Japanese beetle,--By the enc of the month trapping

had been concluded in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisi-
ana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee,

-9-

Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Trapping continued into September in
the following nunber of cities and towns in the respective States: Cali-
fornia, 8; Colorado, 2; Idaho, 4; Illinois, 15; Indiana, 10; Iowa, 1; Kan-
sas, 2; Maine, 18; Michigan, 14; Missouri, 3; New Hampshire, 4; New York,
46: North Dakota, 1; Ohio, 58; Oregon, 2; Pennsylvania, 3; Utah, 5; Ver-
nont, 1; Washington, 4; and Wisconsin, 6.

Trapping for Japanese beetle in Canada.--According to a report
from Leonard S. McLaine, chief of the Flant Protection Division, Canadian

Departnent of Agriculture, Japanese beetle traps established at various
points along the border, particularly on the Niagara Peninsula, had

trapped no bectles up to Ausust 20. Canadian inspectors found 15 dead
beetles in motor cars examined at Yormouth, Nova Scotia, anc 5 dead bectles
in notor cars inspected at Windsor, Ontario. In freizht cars exaninec, 16
dead beetles were found at Toronto and 1 at Niagara.

Fumigation of los piles with chloropicrin.—-Using a canopy of du-
plex kraft paper, the section working on the development of control nethods
has been able, under laboratory conditions, to secure 100-percent kill of
S$. multistriatus larvae in elm los piles by fumigation with chloropicrin.
The canopy is placed over the pile to form a gas—proof tent. This pro—
cedure has been employed principally with piles of fuel wood.

Orthodichlorobenzene-naphthalene emulsion as larvicide for eln
bark beetles.—~-Members of the section working on the development of Dutch
elm disease control nethods tried out the orthodichlorobenzene~naphthalene
fornule as a larvicide against the smeller European clm bark beetle (Scoly-
tus multistriatus Marsh.). An effective larvicide wouldc serve a triple
role in Dutch elm disease control work. Its nost important use would be
as a spray on dead branches of noninfected elms of low vitality, which are
natural breeding places for the bark beetle. The larvicide would also be
valuable in cestroying beetles infesting piles of eln logs kept for use
under fuel agreements. In addition, a larvicide is desired that will
serve as a repellent when sprayed on freshly cut green logs that would be-
cone attractive to nigrating beetles. Prelininary tests with the erulsion
show as high as &0=—percent mortality when the material was used as a larvi-
cide, with equal effectiveness when employed as a repellent.

Prefunigation requirenents lifted.--The prefunigation requirement
for empty refrigerator cars on the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia
was lifted at nidnight August 19, and in the Baltimore section on August
24. At nidénight Ausust 31 this requirenent was lifted in the entire area
affected. In lieu of this prefumigation, cars used for hauling fruits and
vegetnbles fron the generally infested areca to outside points were made
eligible for loacing with inspected produce by thorough cleaning and in-
spection. All vents were screened when opened for ventilation. Funigation
under load was requirec after these dates only when produce was loaded in a
car which has not been preinspectec, or when the product contained infes-
tation that could not be otherwise elininated. The heavy flishts of bectles
in the New York City area necessitated the continuance of funigation of
loaded banana refrigeratcr cars moving from the Port of New York until
August 22, on which date it was Ciscontinued. During the nonth, 87 cars

SHOE

containing 30,608 bunches of bananas were fumigated. In addition 1,197
empty refrigerator cars were fumigated by the two principal New York
banana shippers. Most of the cars were fumigated in the various railroad
yards located in nearby New Jersey before their transfer to banana barges
and floating to the New York side.

Beetles travel by plane.~-ixamination late in July of cabins in
planes of American Airlines outbound from Newark, N. J., arriving at the
Buffalo, N. Y., airport for several weeks resulted in the removal of 7A%
Japanese beetles, 39 of which were still active. Thirty-three of the
beetles were found on planes that had left Newark Airport about noon and
arrived at Buffalo at 2:30 p.m. Most of the dead specimens were found
crushed in the rugs on the cabin floors. Stewardesses informed the in-
spector that they had killed a number of bectles in the planes after tak-
ing off from Newark. Several passengers also mentioned that they had
killed beetles in the plane. Some of the pilots stated that after the
take-off at Newark they could sce occasional beetles clinging to the
crevices on the outside of the glass of the cockpit, but that the wind
soon dislodged then,

FOREST INSECT INVASTIGATIONS

Rovndheaded pine bectle as a primary insect.--J. A. Beal, of the
Bore Collins, Colo., laboratory, reports finding Dendroctonus convexifrons
Hopk. killing a large number of ponderosa pines in an aggressive epidemic
on the Lincoln Notional Forest, in southern New Mexico. Heretofore this
insect has only been reported as attacking the lower portionsof trees pre=

viously infested by other bark beetles and as sometimes becoming primary
on decadent or weakened trees. It has been reported as usually being
secondary and relatively unimportant. During the last 4 or 5 years the
outdreak on the Lincoln National Forest has been responsible for the death
of thousands of ponderosa pine trees. Heaviest losses have been in the
pole stands and on young trees from 2 to 10 inches in diameter, with less
danaze to the old overmature decadent trees. Control work has been carried
on yearly in the infestaticn and during the last year about 50,000 infested
trees were treated. Except for a few linited areas the outbreak appears to
have been successfully controlled.

Hibernation and hosts of spruce budworm.--Donald DeLeon, Fort
Collins , reports that the spruce eke is found to hibernate elmost in-
nedi sh ells after hatching, which occurs during the first half of August.
As soon as its hibernaculum is aes a the insect molts. bdservation so

ar indicates that, elthough the first-stage budworn larva of the race on
Dovglas fir feeds slightly on the under side of the needles along the row
of stomata, no feeding is done. by the race on ponderosa pine. The spruce
budworn has been found to be increasing on Blk Mountain in southern Wyo-
ning where it has been observed attacking not only Douglas fir and alpine
fir but also limber pine and lodgepole pine. The damage in this area is
negligible at present.

a ale

A parasite of the adult Douglas fir beetle.--An interesting chal-
cid parasite of the adult Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopk. is reported by

Donald DeLeon from southern Utah. This parasite winters over as a full-.
grown larva in the abdomen of the beetle and emerges in June, by chewing

a circular hole through the elytra at the declivity. Though it is possible
that a reduction occurs in the number of eggs laid by the parasitized
beetles, the beetles do not die until after a good many eggs have been
laid. A. B. Gahan, of the Division of Insect Identification, has tenta-
tively called this parasite Tomicobia n.sp., but he is not satisfied that
it falls correctly into that genus.

Adults af spotted hemlock borer active late in season.--H. 0. Se-
crest, Milwaukee, Wis., reports that adults of the spotted hemlock borer

were still active and that eggs were laid during the last week in August.
Beetle emergence had decreased during the latter part of July but, follow-
ing a warm period which continued into August, beetle activity continued
throughout the month. No pupae were found during the latter part of August.

Forest tent caterpillar heavily parasitized in Minnesota.--R. H.
Nagel, Milwaukee, found that the forest tent caterpillar was heavily para-

sitized this year in the Gunflint area of the Superior National Forest in
northeastern Minnesota. General collections of cocoons made and examined
after moth emergence was completed indicated that over 95-percent para-
sitization had occurred. About 7,000 cocoons were collected as soon as
possible after they were formed and these cocoons were then placed ina
large.screened cage to protect them from further attack by parasites.
About 30 percent of these cocoons produced moths and 29 percent had been
parasitized by tachinids and 41 percent by sarcophagids.

Sawfly control in Michigan forest plantations.--H. J. MacAloney,
Milwaukee, reports heavy infestations of jack and red pine plantations in
Michigan National Forests by Leconte's sawfly (Neodiprion lecontei Fitch).
In some young plantations on the Marquette Unit of the Upper Michigan more
than 20 percent of the trees were attacked and, as surrounding natural
growth was also infested, the Forest Service sprayed all planted stock on
approximately 2,200 acres. Cost figures are not yet available. On the
Manistee, in lower Michigan, it is reported that 7,600 acres of plantations
were sprayed at a cost of from le to 25 cents per acre, but it-is-understood
that in this case only the infested trees were sprayed.

Recent insecticide experimonts.--S. F. Potts, of the New Haven,
Conn., laboratory, reports on insecticide studies, as follows: (1) Against
‘the European pine shoot moth, derris was the most effective insecticide
tested and lead arsenate was the least expensive of the effective insecti-
cides. The control ranged from 85 to 99 percent. The mixtures contained
adhesives and spreaders. They were applied by ground equipment. Concen-
trated spray mixtures were much more effective than standard spray concen-
trations and can be applied at a small fraction of the cost of mixtures
of ordinary spray concentration. (2) In experiments fluid mixtures have
been prepared containing adhesives and spreaders which required only 1
pound of water or solvent per pound of insecticide. A 5-cubic-foot tank
(36 gallons), full of a lead arsenate fluid mixture, contains 250 pounds
of lead arsenate, whereas it will hold only 100 pounds of the dry lead

-— Se we

-12—

arsenate dust. Mixtures containing new adhesive and spreaders have been
developed which may make unnecessary the use of oils as stickers, both in
concentrated sprays and in dusts. When sulphur and certain other insecti-
cidal dusts are applied in concentrated spray mixtures the fire hazard is
apparently eliminated.

Gypsy moth studies continued.~-According to H. A. Bess, New Haven,
Conn., intensive studies were continued this season on the gypsy moth in
the experimental areas located at Hastford, Conn., and at Petersham and
Freetown, Mass., to measure the mortality caused by different ecological
factors. In certain portions of the experimental area at Petershan, Mass.,
all the eggs in a number of exposed egg clusters failed to hatch. It ape
pears that high egg mortality was associated with relative elevation, the
greatest mortality occurring at low elevations. Consequently, comparatively
few larvae were present except fairly high on ridges. The egg mortality at
Eastford, Conn., was quite low, while at Freetown, Mass., it was about 35
percent, a large part of this being the result of parasitization. The feed-
ing of the larvae did not produce conspicuous defoliation in the experi-
mental areas at Petersham, Mass., or Hastford, Conn., and only a slight
anount in the area at Freetown, Mass.

Spruce bark beetle declining in Northeast.--T. J. Parr, New Haven,
reports that in scouting for spruce infested with the eastern spruce beetle

(Dendroctonus piceaperda Hopk.) on the White Mountain N-tional Forest in
Waterville Valley and vicinity in New Hampshire, an area of 148 acres was
é6ovored in chain-wide strips. On this area 14 infested trees were found,
or an average of 0.09 tree per acre. In a survey the latter part of
August on the northern civision of the Green Mountain National Forest in
Vermont an area of 342 acres was covered in chain-wide strips totaling
42.7 miles in length. On these sample strips a total of 75 infested trees
were located, or an average of 0,22 tree per acre. As the surveys 1 and 2
years ago indicated a much higher degree of infestatim, even on areas
where no control has been practiced, the present survey indicates that the
infestation is declining.

Concentration of elm bark beetles near suitable breeding material.-—-
W. D. Buchanan, of the Morristown, N, J., laboratory, has counted the nun-
ber of uninjured twig crotches and the number of injured crotches on parts
of a number of elm trees removed by the Dutch elm eradication unit. The
trees were removed at known distances from a large fallen elm branch in
which the smaller European bark beetle (S. multistriatus) had bred in large
numbers. The injuries to the twig crotches were presunably made by beetles
that issued from the fallen limb. The data obtained by Mr. Buchanan is
tabulated below.

Sse

Distance in

feet from. : Trees 3: Crotches : Crotches injured
brood trees : examined : examined :

: Number ; Number : Number “ Percent

0-400--==8 27 RY SATO yy BOS : 22.27
401-800----: 24 See Agee! ys 63 : 253
801~1 ,200-—: Liz See TOR oe CUE 25 : 33
1,601-2,000--: 2 Sper OOD Tas 6 ‘ 55
3,201~3 ,500-~: 2 sett Dds 69re x8 1 : .O7
4, 800-5 ,200--: 3 % ee $650 wis 0) : .00

Flizht of elm bark beetle.--R. R. Whitten, Morristown, has obtained
data on the distances to which adults of S. multistriatus can fly. Adults
were liberatec in an elm=-free area, at distances of 5 MEvO, ie Lid Os eee
miles, and in all directions (north, south, east, and west) from freshly
felled elm trees that were taken into the area, Five freshly formed S. mul-
tistriatus galleries containing living beetles were formed when beetles
were liberated 1/2 mile from the trees; two galleries were formed when
beetles were liberated 1 mile away; and two when they were liberated 2 niles
distant.

GYPSY MOTH AND BROWN-TAIL MOTE CONTROL

Burlap bands removed and destroyed.--The patrolling of burlap
bands was ciscontinued about the middle of August, as practically all of

the gypsy moth caterpillars had either pupated or reached the acult stage
and deposited their egg clusters, and the work of removing and burning
the bands was started.

Preparation of assenbling-cage material for gypsy noth completed.--
The collection of attractant material and the preparation of bait for as-
sembling-cage work was completed in August. Approximately 686,000 fenale
Sypsy moth pupae were collected this season, and nore than 240,000 female
moths energed and were used in the preparation of the attractant naterial.
The percentage of issuance of female moths, about 35 percent, was the
highest since the work has been performed in the Connecticut Valley. A
total of 8,025 cages, consisting of 30 abdonen tips each, were nade. This
material has been placed in cold storage in Greenfield, Mass., where it
will be kept until needed next summer.

Fences surrouncing sprayed areas repaired quickly after storns.--

Intermittent electrical storms and high winds during August in both the

New England and Pennsylvania gypsy moth infested areas necessitated fro-
quent patrolling of the fences around areas sprayed in July. Uprooted trees
and broken branches that had fallen on the fences were renoved and the
fences were repaired immediately, in order to prevent livestock from graz—
ing in the sprayed areas.

Damased_and dead fruit trees retard gypsy noth work.--A large per-
centage of the fruit trees in northern Vernont were either killed or se-
verely damaged by extremely cold temperatures during the winter of 1933-34.

14
Many of these trees have not been removed and ore now in exceedingly poor
condition. Much more tine is consumed in scouting these trees than is
normally required in examining healthy trees, as all the cavities and loose
barix nust be inspected and the fallen limbs and debris must be picked up.
These trees, especiolly those still producing foliage where the caterpil-

lars nay feed, offer ideal places of congealuent for the gypsy moth egg
clusters é

Difficult remote areas in Vernont being scouted for noth. --

Crews assigned to duty in towns along the Green Mountain Range in Vermont
are now scouting the wooded areas remote from traveled roads in an effort
to complete the examination of this rugged territory while walking con-
ditions are good. Some of the territory is so isolated that several of

the crews are walking from 1 to 5 miles each day after leaving their trans-—
portation before sequin 4 s bezun. Crews scouting in the region of Mount
Mayo, in the southeastérn section of Underhill, were oblized to temporarily
discontinue work in that locality beginning August 20, as the area where
‘they vere working is within the military range and is to be used for train-

ng purposes until ebout September 1. Scouting work was started during the
first week in August in an unbroken stretch of woodland approximately
2/,000 acres in area in the boungexe of Glastenbury, Bennington County,
Vt. The area is accessible only by a few trails and abandoned. logging
roads and the nearest points that can be reached by truck are several niles
from the center of the block.

Exterminative measures to be applied at infestation near barrier
gone.--Workers patrolling burlap bonds continued to find Sypsy moth larvae
at one of the infested locations in Mount Holly, Vt., east of the barrier
zone. Many old apple trees in tiis area provide excellent conditions for
the survival of the pest. It is anticipated that thorough ‘scouting of the
territory during the autumn, followed by suitable treatment work, will ex-—
terminate the gypsy noth in Mount Holly and elinincte this threat to the
Daririctra Zone.

Infestation found in growth considerea unfavorable for gypsy moth de-
velopment.--The crew scoutin in the town of Shrewsbury, Vt., which adjoins
Mount Holly and is east of the barrier zone, has found several gypsy noth egg@
clusters in growth consisting chiefly of maple, becch, and yellow birch,
with maple Poa yaa These species of trees are not listed in the
fevored food class, in the report of the Research Division.

Scouts receive instruction by workin AO in heavily in-
fested area, —-Gypsy moth emplcyees engaged in scouting in southern Connec-
ticut recently worked for a short tine in a heavily infested area in
Granby, Conn. The experience gained by working in territory where eg¢
clusters are plentiful is especially beneficial to new nen working in
sparsely infested resions and they return to their ae areas with
increased understanding of gypsy moth control measure

cut

W. P. A. gypsy moth work temporarily suspended in Pennsylvania.--All
Wa) Pagans zypsy meth workin Penns ylyauia was suspended « durins the first
week in August, pending the approval of the project in that State. The reg- |
ular Federsl and State employees carried on the work of periodically examin=
ing the assembling cazes, patrolling the fences around sprayed areas, and

ate

inspecting shipments of materials throughout the gypsy moth quarantined
area. Funds for the continuation of W. P. A. field work in Pennsylvania
were made available so that the activities could be resumed on August &.
The crews patrolled burlap bands, did cleaning work at sites of infesta-
tions, and sprout removal and selective thinning work until the latter part
of August. The scouting force was then employed in creosoting egg clusters
in generally infested areas in preparation for the start of actual scout-
ing, which will begin about September 1 in the territory along the Lacka-
wanna and Susquehanna Rivers. Each year the men are assigned to creosoting
in areas where egg clusters are relatively abundant immediately prior to
the beginning of scouting work, so that all crew members may have an op-
portunity to locate and destroy numerous egg clusters.

Several male gypsy moths recovered at assembling cages in Pennsyl-
vania.—-Adult male gypsy moths were found at two assembling cages in Jeffer-

son Township and at one cxge in Madison Township, in Lackawanna County; at

one cage in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County; at one caze in Kidder Town-

ship, Carbon County; and at one cage in Dennison and one cage in Kingston,

Luzerne County, Pa., up to August 20. These cages are within the infested

area in Pennsylvania, and most of them were located a relatively short dis-
tance from previous infestations.

Bear observed eating tanglefoot at assembling cage.--Evidence that
bears had eaten the tanglefoot surrounding assembling cages set out in

various parts of the gypsy moth infested soction of Pennsylvanian has been
found on several occasions this year. However, it was not until the last
week in August that a bear was actually observed in the act. As the tangle-
foot is placed on the trees for the purpose of holding any male gypsy moths
that may be attracted to the cages, it is fortunate that the number of in-
stances in which the tanglefoot has been removed by. bears this season is
relatively lov.

C. C. C. gypsy noth work during the fiscal year 1938.--During the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1938, C. C. C. enrollees were employed 142,226
6-hour man-days in New England on various types of gypsy moth work, under
the supervision of this Bureau. They examined the growth on more than
247,850 acres, including woodland, open and intensively scouted areas, and
1,833 acres selectively thinned. More than 3,822,700 new gypsy moth egg
clusters were creosoted. Burlap was applied to over 610,500 trees and re-
sulted in the destruction of 4,974,520 gypsy moth caterpillars and pupae
by the end of the fiscal year. The figures given for the burlapping work
are approximately one-half of the total for the complete caterpillar season,
as this type of work continues into July and August and only the amount
accomplished before July 1 is shown in the report for the fiscal year.

C. C. C. enrollees working at vory heavy infestation in Connecti-

cut.—-More than 100,000 new gypsy uoth egg clusters have already been treated

by C. C. C. enrollees at a very heavy infestation in Granby, Conn. There
are pockets in this area in which the egs clusters will average at least
100,000 to the acre. <A rapid survey of this area is being made and the
Rockets of heaviest infestation are being located on typographical maps in
Order that all of the worst spots may be treated as soon as possible.

GS
PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

Many local stem rust epidemics in Pennsylvania traced to barberrios.--
Aeciospores wers being liberated from cluster cups on barbderry leeves in
many localities in Pennsylvania by May le this year. The amount of infec-
tion steadily increased until May 20, when low temperatures retarded further
development. According to L. K. Wright, state leader in charge of barberry
eradication, stem rust was spreading from burberries to grain in central
and northern Fennsylvonia counties early in June. Infection could be found
by June 18 in practically all grain fields where barberry bushes were grow-
ing in adjacent pastures or woodlots. Stem rust on oats, barley, and rye
seened to be confined almost entirely to direct spreads from barberry
bushes. The sane was true with wheat, except in counties in southeastern
Fennsylvania, east of the Susquehanna River, where inoculum appeared in
considerable quantity and the spread could be traced from east to west, in-
dicating that infection may have come from barberry bushes in the extreme
southeastern part of the State, or bordering territory in adjoining States.

Control operations conducted in 15 counties.--Since barberry eradica~
tion was undertaken in Fennsylvania in 1935, more than 8 nillion barberry
bushes and seedlinzs have been destroyed in 15 counties. An intensive sur-
vey has been made of more than 4,000 square miles, According to reports
received from farmers, there has been a definite reduction in the amount of
sten rust damage in communities where the initial eradication work has been
completed.

Barberry bushes removed from 49 counties in Chio.--fhhen emergency
funds becane available for barberry eradication work in Ohic, counties
were selected for attention in which large numbers of wild bushes were
known to exist, The plan of operation has been to keep as large an area of
the State free of rust-susceptible barberry bushes as funds would permit.
Since 1933 an intensive inspection has been made of all uncultivated land
in 39 counties, resulting in the eradication of more than $90,000 barberry
bushes and seedlings on 3,765 properties. In addition, from 30 to 90 per-
cent of the area in three counties has been completed and work is now pro=
Gressing in nine more counties. An analysis of the recently compiled
county progress maps for Ohio show that no bushes were found in 44 percent
of the area that has been. covered with emergency funds which, in reality,
constitutes a second survey. All infested properties found have been care
fully recorded and mapped and future reinspections in these counties will
be confined to timbered areas and other uncultivated lands within a 2~mile
radius of these properties, except when outbreaks of rust or reports fron
property owners leac to bushes that were missed when the intensive survey
was made.

Berberis canadensis found in Cass County, Ind.~-Approxinately 3,000
Berberis canadensis bushes were found on the banks of the Wabash River, in
Cass County, 5 miles east of Logansport, according to Stanley Castell, who
is in charge of stem rust control work in Indiana. This is the second lo-
eation of B. canadensis located in the State since barberry eradication was
first undertaken in 1918. This species of barberry is native to Virzinia
and West Virginia, but there is still some coubt as to whether it is actually
native in certain localities in Indiana and Illinois, or whether small

\

a

ee

patches of it may have been planted years ago. Mr. Castell states that

the bushes were located by a crew of VW. P. A. laborers none of whom had
ever seen-B. canadensis before. Their training hac been restricted to
learning the characteristics of the common barberry, which has quito a dif-
feront growth habit.

-_

erinents to dotermine the susceptibility of ribes alpinun to
blister rust.--The white-pine-blister-—rust susceptibility of the attractive,
Gioecious alpine currant (Ribos alpinun Linn.), growm as an ornamental in
landsenpe gardenins, has been variously reportod. In Buropean anc North
Anerican literature the species has been listed both as susceptible and as
immune. Field tests with R. alpinun to ceternine the susceptibility have
been carried on in Wisconsin by T. #¥. Kouba, who found the plants with
which he worked to be immune over a number of years. Uxperimental inocu-
lation tests conducted by G. G. Hahn, of the Division of Forest Pathology,
Bureau of Plant Industry, in 1937 and 1938, with authentic male and fenale
material of R. alpinum fror the Marsh Botanical Garden, Yale University,
and from the Arnoléc Arboretum, respectively, have denonstrated the male
plant to be fully irmmne fron blister rust, whereas tho female plant was
susceptible. These results probably explain the conflicting reports con-
cerning the resistance of R. alpinun to blister rust infection.

New infection centers located in Virginia.--Ninetesen new infection
centers have been founc in Virginia this year in Augusta, Highland, and
Rockinzhan Counties on ecither-pine or Ribes, cr on both. Infections on
white pine at 17 of these loc-tions ranged from 5 to 7 years of oe. The
aecial stage was noted at four places. Of the 19 new centers, 5 were lo-
cated between 1,500 and 1,999 feet elevation; 9 between 2,000 and 2,999
feet; and 5 between 3,0CO anc 3,800 feet. The infection on Ribes this year
is for the most part classed as hesvy.

Rust found on Ribes in sugar pine region.--W. V. Benedict, regional
leader of blister rust control work in the sugar pine region, reports the
location of blister rust infection on Ribes at several points on the Lassen
National Porest, Crlif. Infections on Ribes roezli were found at four
placos in Tehama County. The southernmost of these four infections repre-
sents a scuthwarc advance cof approxinately 18 miles of the southernmost in—
fection Ciscovered last year. Numerous infections on Ribes have also bcon
located along Montgomery Creek in Shasta County dy ¥. WV. Wagener and Goerzo
A. Zentnyer, Jr., of the Division of Forest Pathclozsy, Burenu of Flant
Industry. ,

Blister rust trainins schools for Indians.--On July 5, blister rug
asent EZ. W. Cleasby conducted oa blister rust control project training course
on the Lac Court Oreilles Indion Reservation in Wisconsin, with 35 Indians
attendinz. Most of them had never before perforned blister rust control
work. The noed for such work wes explained, then the men were assijmed to
crews anc: trainee in actual Ribes-oraticntion work. On July 6, 7. F. Kouba,
State leader of blister rust control work in Wisconsin, conducted a sinila
training course on the Bad River Incian Reservation, witn 29 Indians
attending. Samples of blister rust were shown to the croup and a brief

talk was given regarding the need for control work, anc explaining how the

Ses

work is done, before the men were assigned to crews and trained. In co-
operation with the Menominee Indian Reservation, a blister rust control dis-
pley was placed at the Conservation Exhibit at Shawano, Wis., on July 30

and 31".

Spread of blister rust in the North Central States.--In August blister
rust infection was reported for the first time on Ribes in the following
counties: Calumet and Green Lake Counties, Wis,, Ribes cynosbati being the
infected host plant; Wexford and Lake Counties, Mich., where medium to
light infection wes found on R. cymosbati bushes; and Holmes County, Ohio.
Many other infections were reported in counties where the rust had pre-
viously been found. One of these was the discovery of a new pine infection
in Emmet County, Mich., at Michilimackinac State Park, Mackinaw City. In—
fected Ribes were also found within the park bouncary. This discovery ex-
tends the range of known infection to the northern linits of the county.

COTTON INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Cotton aphids.--Cotton aphids have been unusually sbundant this season
and have caused considerable damage in some fields, especially on plats
treated with several applications of calcium arsenate, cryolite, or mixtures
of paris green and sulphur. Dusting with nicotine sulphate, the control
generally used, is sometimes unsatisfactory unless conditions are just
right, and tests with dusts containing rotenone have been made this scason
at several stations. At Florence, S. C., F. @. Bondy anc C. F. Rainwater
used a cube~sulphur dust on August 11 at the rate of 17.5 pounds per acre,
The dust was mixed to contain 1 percent rotenone, but probdvably did not con
tain that amount. There was no apparent reduction im the aphid population
after 4 deys and a 2-percent nicotine sulph-te-lime dust, applied at the
rate of 15 pounds per acre, gave fair control. In another test at Florence
the following insecticides were used: (1) 9.2 pounds of 2 percent nicotine
sulphate-lime dust per acre; (2) 48 gallons Lethane 440 (1 to 250) per acre
applied with a knapsack sprayer to both sides of row; (3) 11.2 pounds of
derris-tobacco-sulphur dust (1 percent rotenone) per acre; (4) 18.4 pounds
of cube-sulphur dust (1 percent rotenone) per acre. (The cube used in the
last test was from a different batch from that used in the other experiment).
Neither the nicotine-lime dust nor the Lethane spray gave any noticeable
control, though this may have been due to a shower of rain thet occurred
within 30 minutes after the applications were nade. Both the cube and der-
ris gave good control. From these and other observations it appears that
rotenone may be more effective in the presence of moisture. At Tallulah,
La., most of the calcium arsenate dusted and some untrented plots developed
heavy aphid infestations curing August. Satisfactory control was obtained
from one application of 7 to 10 pounds per acre of. 3 percent nicotine-line
cust. Three plots with a medium aphid infestation were dusted by M. T. Young
with a derris—-clay mixture containing 1 percent rotenone at the rate of 10
to 13 pounds per acre. To one of the mixtures was added 1 percent Aresket,
to another 1 percent Vatsol, while the third contained no wetting agent. Very
little, if any, control was obtained from any of these applications. Another
series of heavily infested plats at Tallulah were dusted by €. L. Smith with
these mixtures about the same time, also with negative results. Similar lack
of control of cotton aphids with custs containing rotenone resulted on plots
dusted by K. P. Bwing at Port Lavaca, Tex., in July.

NN ear

Ge

Boll weevil parasites.--Last year colonies of Micrebracon k kirkpatricki
vilk,, an introduced parasite of the pink bollworn, were liberated in the
Gulf coast section of Texas to see whether it would becone estnblished o
the doll weevil, after laborstory tests had shown that it would parasitize
the Doll weevil. This season collections totaling 3,155 weevil-punctured
squares were nade by H. J. Crawford, of Port Lavaca, Tex., from the area
where liborations were made, but no M. kirkpatricki were recovered. Of the
productive squares, i.e. hos e producing either squares or weevils, 7. yy per-
cent were parasitized by'native specics.

Cotton leaf worm and flea hopper parasites.--In order to obtain nore
definite data on the percentage of parésitization omc the nunber of para-
sites emerging from pupae of the cotton leaf worn, H. J. Crawford placed
873 field—-collected pupae in incivicual vials for observation. Fron these,
488 moths emerged--125 Brachyneria ovata (Say) an¢@ 98 Phorocera and Sar-
cophaga spp., or 20. 16 percent centermer a Am of the pupae. 3B. ovata pu-
pates within the Alabana pupae and in most cases emerged about a week later
than moths from pupae of the sane age, and in one case energed 14 days
after the host pupated. In all instances only one B. ovata emerged fron
a leaf worm pupa. The Phorocera sp. larvee eriersod through irregular
openings near the middle of the lenf worm pupae and pupated within 2 hours
The flies emerged after a pupal period of from & to 10 days. As a rule
only one Phorocera sp. and several Sarcophaze sp. emerged from one host
pupa. Seven Sarcophaga sp. emerged from each of two leaf worm pupae. It
was not definitely determined whether the dain cephine zids were parasitic or
saprophytic. The cotton flea hopper egg parnsite, Erythnelus psallidis
Gahan, was recorded for the first tine from Bexar and Wilson Counties, Tex.,
and was also founc in ebundance in. collections of flea hepper eges fron
croton and horsenint in Mississippi. One reared H. psallidis required 12
€ays for the combined egg, larval, anc. pupal stages. The parasitizatiorn
of 3,168 flea hopper eggs in the stens of Rope rs cotton, croton, and
sensitive pea was 32.8 percent by E. psallicis anc 1.4 percent by Anephes
Bee in. ie a cae of 3h, 2 percent. _ : :

Collection of insects on flight screens.~—During the last 5 years,
fron 1933 to 1937, inclusive, 12 flizht screens, each consisting of 2?
stationary franes set at right angles and covered with 4,320 square inches
of tanglefooted wire scroen were operated by K. Ps Ewing and associates
at Fort Lavaca, Tex., for determining the flight of cotton flea hoppers
end boll weevils. ‘This year theso screens were discontinuec and four re~
volving screens with one side thet always faced the wind were substituted.
Records during previous years had shown that, especinlly during the nigra-
tory period, approximately as many flea hoppers were caugsht on the re-
volving screens with only half the tanglefooted area as on the stationary
screens. The nunbers of flea hoppers and boll weevils caught per screen,

rae a
~

which is a rough index of the numbers present, were as follows:

BOE:

Flea hoppers Boll weevils

Ks
@
99
8

August:Seasonal total

‘ : Ausust : Seasonal total
LG ee ety Th Ny ho 1,159 yieleasn 24.9
Togas: Owes 971 i MORO: lal)
OG 5 a ames Lge Be TEA) vege 5.3
UGW6-==235 | GOLOR 2he tee Lees y 3
UG Ayia — se lye ols 605 epee ae 75.0
LOGS =a Slee BD) bt 22S 7 Bs 350

ee

During the principal period of migration (April to June) more than
twice as many flea hoppers were caught on the windwarc side of the screens
as on the leewarc, whereas Curing July and Ausust slightly more flea
hoppers were taken on the leeward than on the windward side. Fewer boll
weevils have been collected per screen tunis year than in any previous year
at Port Lavaca. This is in line with the actual field activity of this in-
sect and the damage it has caused, the late season damaze being greater in
1937 than for any of the other years, while in 1938 there has been very
little boll weevil. damage in this secticn to cate. At other places the
boll weevil situation has been quite cifferent this season. At Tallulah,
La., G. L. Smith anc A. L. Scales operated three stationary and three re-
volving screens. The average catch per screen during August was 221
woevils on the stationary and 69 on the revolving screens. The catch on
both types of screens was more than three times as great as in 1936 and
1937. At Florence, S. 0., the stationary screens operated by F. F. Bondy
and associates caught 177 weevils per screen during Auzust, or more than in
any year since 1926, when they were started. The field infestations and
danaze by weevils at Tallulah anc Florence have also been considerably
greater than during any recent year.

TRUCK CROP AMD GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Experinents against pea aphid in southern Wisconsin.--J. ™. Dudley,
Jr., and T. 3, Bronson, of the Madison, Wis., leboratory, report that the
results of experiments against Macrosiphum pisi (Kltb.) in southern Wis-
consin during 1956, wherein dust mixtures and sprays containing rotenone,
as well as nicotine vapor, were applied to large-scale experinental plots,
indicate that all of these insecticides resulted in an increase in yield,
as compared to the untreated check plots, and that, owing to the conditions
of pea aphic infestatim which existed curing the current year, there were
no outstanding Ccifferences Detween these treatmerts. The increase in yield
for the different treatments, as compared to the untreated plots, ranged
from 124 pounds to 1,5//7 pounds of shelled peas to the acre and averaged
465 pounds. The average yield of all the plots inclucing the checks was
2,994 pounds of shelled peas per acre, whereas the check plots averaged
2,5/0 pounds per acre, The price for a certain plot of peas, based on a
certain percentage of size, is called the "rade rate", which is based on
the percentage of cifferent sige of peas. The average grade rate for all
of the treated and untreated experinental plots was $2.92 per hun@red pounds.
Using this average grade rate, the increase in the value of the yield of the

—Ole

treated plots ranged from $3.59 to $46.05, and averaged $13.58 per acre.

On account of the cool weather and subsequent rains, the reduction of the
pea aphid infestation attributable to insecticide applications during 1938
was not as high nor was it maintained for as long a period as has occurred
during the previous 2 years, although in most of the plots treated the
reduction in infestation was satisfactory. The most evident conclusion
that may be drawn from the 1936 work against the pea aphid in southern Wis-
consin is that, even with excellent growing conditions for peas and a
light infestation of the pea aphid, an adequate financial return was ob-
tained by treating the peas with the above—named insecticides.

Dusting sulphur and sulphur-pyrethrum dust mixture give best re-

sults against potato leafhopper on beans.--In summarizing the results ob-
tained in insecticide tests against Empoasca fabae (Harr.) on beans in

Ohio in 1935, N. F. Howard, of the Columbus, Ohio, laboratory, reports that
the application of dusting sulphur or a sulphur-pyrethrum dust mixture gave
the best results and were significantly superior to sprays containing some
of the newer betel eke copper sulphates, basic copper arsenates, or sulphur
nitride. Derris sprays also were comparatively ineffective. When used with
peanut oil or pine oil the effectiveness of the derris sprays were in-
creased, but peanut oil caused a yellowing of the bean leaves and subse-
quent defoliation and, although pine oil caused less injury to the bean
foliaze, it appeared to be too injurious to be recommended for general use.

Flooding proves an effective method of controlling wireworms in Wash-
ington.—--E. W. Jones, of the Walla Walla, Wash., laborztory, reports that
the results of recent experiments in the flooding of irrigated lances to
control wireworms, principally the sugar beet wireworn (Limonius californi-
cus (Mann,)) and the Pacific coast wireworm (L. canus Lec.), indicate that
this method leads to a marked reductioa of the wireworm population when per-
formed under proper conditions. In one experiment the plot was flooded for
7 days and the wireworn population was reduced from 5.1 to 0.9 per square
foot, a reduction of approximately 82.4' percent. In another experinent
wherein the plot was flooded for 10 Cays the wireworm population was reduced
from 16.1 to 1.2 per square foot, a reduction of 92.6 percent. In these
experinents the soil temperatures avereged 73 and 74 F., respectively, in
the layer extending from the soil surface to the 12-inch depth.

Germination of sugar-bect seed retarded by application of naphtha-
lene.—-Observations by M. 7. Stone, of the Alhanbra, Calif., laboratory,
have indicated that the germination of sugar-beet seod is retarded and pos-
sibly injured by applicstions of crude naphthalene sowed with the seed in
an attempt to repel or kill the larvae of the sugar-beet wirewornm. Owing
to the heavy infestation of L. californicus in certain fields where sugar-
beot spoed was to be planted, “erude naphthalene was drilled in the rows with
the seed at rates ranging fron 4. 6 to 11.8 pounds per acre. In planting the
seed with the naphthalene, an ordinary “row seed drill with a fertilizer
attachnent was usec. As the naphthalene was moist it was necessary to mix
with it a small quantity of dry sand so that it woul? feed properly through
the fertilizer drill attachment. Detailed examinations of portions of the
treated fields indicated that there was no significant difference in the

Ley

average number of surviving L. californicus larvae per unit area in the
treated and check rows, showing that the naphthalene was ineffective as a
wireworn repellent. The fact that some larvae wore found dead in the rows,
however, would incicate that naphthalene might show promise if drilled into
bait rows. In the treated fields the beet seed germinated very slowly and
the sprouts of those that dic germinate appeared stunted and discolored,

as compared to those in the checks. 1t appezred evident that these beets
would not make a crop, therefore the growers replowed their fields at the
end of 4 wecks after planting.

Increased acroage of Russian-thistle found in San Joaquin Valley.--

W. C. Gook and his associates at the Modesto, Calif., laboratory report
that the recent eres survey to determine the extent of Ee He ato occupied
by Russion-thistle (Salsola postifer A. Nels. ) on the west side of the San
Joaquin Valley in " Garirosaie: comprising the entire area west of the valley
from Los Bonos to Devil's Den, revealed the presence of the largest acrenge
of Russian—thistle since the survey was started in 1931. A total of approx-
insately 92,500 acres in the territory surveyed was found to be occupied by
Russian-thistle to a density exceeding 10 percent of the acreage. This is
‘nearly double the next highest acreage of this pernicious weed, approxi-
mately 52,500 acres, which was found in 1935. Russian-thistle is a favored
summer host plant of the beet leafhopper and functions as an important.
source of infestation of cultivated crops. Scattercd collections indicated

hat this entire acreage was well populated with Eutettix tenellus: Bak.

Most sugar-beet wireworm eggs Ceposited in top 3 inches 0: of soil.--iIn
a sorics of field examinations ae one the soil was dug in successive l- -
inch layers in an alfalfa field from which a heavy emergence of adults of
the suger—beet wireworn had been observed, F. H. Shirck, of the Parma, Idaho,
laboratory, found That: Ora total, of 1,045 eses founc in tho successive l-
inch layers froti the l-inch level to the 7-inch level, 83.6 percent were
founc an the top 3) inehes of usoil..

INSECTS AFFECTING MAN AND ANIMALS

Eges of Aedes aldrichi Dyar and Knab may hatch the same season they
are laid.--For sone year. Ly nas been a natter of ae: whether the
egss of certain species of Aedes which are: deposited on the scil or md re-
quire one season's aguaenes before they wale ee ee H. Stage, of the
Portland, Ove, ls-boratory, hoes denonstrated that. this perioc of dormancy
is not necessary, at least meen experinental conditions. He reports: "En-
gorged A. aldrichi fenales were Captured after ae fed on a cow at Lotus
Islanc. These were placed in two cages, one cave in the laboratory, tke
other in a well-protected situation among willows on the island. Although
few eggs were laic, the number in each cage was about the same. <A number
of these eggs were flooded with asparagine=phosphate solutions fron §& to
17 days after oviposition. Of these treated, 7&8 percent hatched, thus den
onstrating’ for the first tine that egzs' of this species may hatch the sans
season in which they are laid."

Mortality o f eggs of Aedes vexans: Meig and A. aldrichi out of doors.--
My, Stage algo Sra ee "Several plaster~of-paris dishes containing eggs of
these species, which had been recoverec from soil late in 1937, were planted

ait

in a screened cage and left over winter. Of the plump-appearing eggs so
obtainod, 62 percent hatched when flooded curing August. In June of this
season the hatch was 84% percent. Because of the long éry period this sun
nor, it is sonewhat surprising that the uortality was no greater."

FOREIGN PLANT QUARANTINES

Larva of pincapple weevil from Mexico.--A living larva of the pino-
apple weevil (Metanasius ritchiei Marsh.) was intercepted at Brownsville,
Tox., on May 6 in a pineapple in cargo from Mexico. The larva was coing
primary injury to the pineapple, boring straight at the base of the fruit.
As reported by C. C. Gowdy in Jamaica, when the fruit is attacked, the pinc-
apple becomes unfit for consumption. When the fruit stalk is attacked, it
is unable to withstand the weight of the fruit, which falls over and Coes
not ripen.

Cotton pickers carry cottonseod.--Tifty pounds of seed cotton was
picked from various articles of clothing and other personal effects belong-
ing to 5 cotton pickers returning through Brownsville near the close of
the cotton picking season in Mexico. The inspector was occupied for more
than an hour in getting the seed and @id not have time to exanine it care-
fully. Such quantities of cotton coming fron an area infested with pink
bollworm obviously represents a potential risk.

Entomological interceptions of interest.--Thirty—one living larvec.of
the dark fruitfly (Anastrepha serpentina Wied.) were intercepted at El Peso,
Tex., on March 24 in a single sapote fruit in baggage from Mexico. Seventy
living larvae of the Mediterranean fruitfly (Ceratitis capitata Wied.) were
intercepted at Boston on May 6 in 33 loquat fruits in the mail fron the
Agores. Living adults of Bruchus laticollis Boh. arrived at New Orleans on
Decenbver 20, 1937, in vetch seed pods in cargo from France. The intercep-—
tion was made at the appraiser's stores. Living specimens of the scale in-
sect Lepidosaphes tubulorun Ferris were taken at Washington, D, C., on April
4 on Hibiscus cuttings in the mail from the Philippines. Three living adults
of the nordellid Mordellistena chapini Hay were intercepted at Seattle, Wash.,
on April 14 ina Cattleya leaf in cargo fron Colombia. Tour living larvae
of the European corn borer (Pyrausta nubilalis Hbn.) were found at New York
on May 10 in broomcorn stalks in the mail from Czechoslovakia. A living
acult of Dermestes tessellatocollis Mots. arrived at Buffalo, N. Y., on
April 18 in a box of driec vegetables in the mail fron Japan. A living
adult of the scarabaeid Trichius ornatus Jordan was intercepted at San Fran-
cisco on May 10 on an orchid (Cymbidiun eburneum) in cargo from India. This
species was not previously represented in the National Museum collection. An
adult of the weevil Apion ochropus Gerri. was taken at Mobile, Ala., on
April 1 in vetch contaninating rye-straw jackets in carso fron France. A
living larva of the large cabbaze butterfly (Pieris brassicae L.) was inter-
cepted at Now York on January 25 on a lenf of white greens (Brassica chi-
nensis) in cargo from Cuba. Living larvae of the olethreutid Epinotia
opposita Keinrich was intercepted at Laredo, Tox., on February 5 on string
beans in cargo from Mexico. This represents a new record of the species fron
Mexico and a new host=plant record.

~2h-

Pathological interceptions of interest. --Aphelenchoides parietinus

Bastian and Aphclenchus -venae Bastian were found in fairly large nunbers
in scales of cipollino pulbs from Morocco on August 12 at New York. ‘Dis-
see Vicia faba pods intercepted at New York on May 9 were infected with
a fun.us having spores unlike any species in the genera Ascochyta and Stag-

nospora and hence not determinable. Cercospora capsici ad? was intercepted

on peppers from Mexico during duly at Brownsville. C. rmusae Zinn. was in-
tercepted on banana leaves fron Guatemala on August 1 ae FE Roataa, A rust in-
tercepted on Lonchocarpus sp. or spp. leaves from British Guiana at New York
on June 3 has been determined as Dichirinia guianensis Ounn. by Dr. Cummins.
Didynosphaeria sp., no species described on the host, was intercepted on
leaves of Freesia cut flowers from Holland at } New Tore, in cargo, February
are Diplodia tub tubcricola (ZH. & EB.) Taub. was ceereonted in yams fron China
on August 22 at New York. ote ephedrae (Hollos) Petrak was in-
torcepted on stens of Ephedra sp. in mail from China on May 11 at New York.
Puccinia malvacearun OC. G. Bertero was nC a on Malva sylvestris in
nail fron Italy on . Aug st l at Detroit anc on August 23 at Buffalo. The
rust has been intercepted from Italy in Baovioud yeers on what was probably
this host but the host naterial was inadequate for a determination until the
Detroit interception was received. Sclerotiun oryzae Catt. was intercepted
on rice seed from India on May 25 at Was shinzton, The sclerotia were not
spherical, as they are in the stems. Trichoseptoria sp. was found on Aucuba
joponica variegata leaves from Italy on January 21 at New York. Urocystis
cepulae C. C. Frost was found on onions from Italy on August 24 at New York.
Ustilago bromivora (Tul.) Fischer & Waldh. was intercepted on August § at
New York in a nail soxple of Bromus shaderii seed from Argentina. B. shad-
erii is a synonyn of B. unioloides or B. catharticus, the latter being ‘the
accepted nane in itchcock's manual. The grass is used for winter forage in
he Southern States. The smut has been reported fron a number of States
on various species of bronegrass but this is the first time it has been in-
tercepted.

DOMESTIC PLANT QUARANTINZS

Grass bopper-conurel activities.--The gras SHI baiting program which
s been conducted for the protection of crops in 24: States in the rezion

from the Mississippi Valley to the Pacific Coast was practically completed
by the close of August. Approximately 400 million pounds, or 200,000 tons
of poisoned-bait materials have been nade available to the Statcs during the
season. In preparation for the fall survoy of ‘hoppers, training conferences
were held during July and August at verious points in the field, at which
the procedure for determining the extent and Cegree of infestations of the

arious,species, including migratory "hoppers, was outline in order that the
survey might be conducted on a uniform basis.

Farmers harvest early in some grasshopper—infested areas.—--During
August when flights of Melanoplus mexicanus Sauss. first occurred, there was
scne tendency among farmers in certain areas to harvest grain preriaturely
for feed rather than to apply control measures. It is believed that much of
the resulting loss could have been avoided by baiting, as recommended by
State leaders, and populations of adults making the flizhts could have been
reduced naterially.

wel | a

258

Mormon cricket activities.--To the close of July over 1,000,000
pounds of arsenite dust and 3,500 barrels of oil, the latter for use pri-
marily in irrigation ditches, had been used in operations to protect crops
from Mormon cricket attack. Hand- and power-dusting operations have
proved highly effective in preventing damage to crops. The mixture of
three parts of diatomaceous earth and one part of sodium arsenite proved
as effective in killing the adult crickets as it had the younger instars.
A survey of the adult and egg stages of the Mormon cricket is now under
way throughout the ten infested States. Range plants in several areas
were so heavily damaged in July and August that in some localities cattle
and wildlife were seeking food plants elsewhere. Pines and willows were
found partially defoliated by crickets.

Federal quarantine on white-fringed beetle under consideration.--A
public hearing to consider a Federal quar: ntine because of white-—fringed
beetle infestations in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, is
being held at New Orleans on September 15. Regulatory action thus far has
been limited to State quarantines which have been adequate, as areas of
infestation have been limited.

White-fringed beetle infestations.--State-wide inspections for the
white-fringed beetle were conducted throughout August in Louisiana, Mis-
sissippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Inspection in the three latter States was confined primarily to railroad
rights-of-way, highways, 2nd tourist camps. Similar work was done in
parts of Arkansas. Infestations were located at Baton Rouge, La., and
vicinity. The city of New Orleans was found to be quite generally infested
and the bectles were also found at points in other infested States near
the knoym infested areas. Infest2tions are now known to exist in six
parishes in Louisiana, five counties in Alabama, three in Florida, and
eight in Mississippi. A total of over 41,000 acres is infested, of which
approximately one-third is cultivated land. Clean-up activities have
been started at several points recently found infested. Calcium arsenate
dust for the purpose of reducing adult beetle population has been applied
to 13,000 acres in the vicinity of Florala, Ala., Gulfport, Miss., Laurel,
Miss., Pensacola, Fla., and New Orleans, La., and 369 acres in these areas
have been sprayed with oil to destroy vegetation on waste land and thereby
eliminate the adult food supply.

Peach-disease control activities.--Inspection for the phony peach and
peach mosaic diseases was continued in August in 16 States, with a force of
54 Federal inspectors and 29 inspectors of the cooperating States and
counties. Second inspections for the peach mosaic disease were made in
infected areas of California anc Colorado. Mosaic and phony trees are being
removed at the time of inspection in several States, including Georgia. A
scouting survey in the more important peach-growing areas of Idaho and
Nevada, and a careful inspection of orchards and nurseries in three peach~
growing counties of Kansas resulted in finding neither disease in any of
these three States. Relief labor is engaged in the removal of diseased and
abandoned trees in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado,
Georgia, and Tennessee.

Boge

Sweetpotato weevil eradication and control.~—The August work relating
to this project was centered principally on enforcement of sanitation
measures, which are required by State regulations in the storage and - |
shipping of sweetpotatoes. Surveys for the weevil were continued in in-
fested areas of Alabana, Mississippi, and Texas. Thirteen infestations
vere reported for the first tine from Marion County, Miss. A preliminary
survey of two South Carclina counties, with the assistance of a State in~
spector, resulted in finding no weevils.

Citrus canker eradication.--A summary of citrus canker eradication
activities for the past fiscal year shows no new areas of infection. Can-
ker was found recurring: on 12 properties in the noncommercial areas of
Texas and Lovisiana. Through allotments from emergency relief appropria-—
tions, abandoned and infested citrus trees tc the extent of 2,500,000 have
been removed from Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and west Florida during the
year.

Transit-inspection work.--Three hundred thirteen apparent violations
of Federal plant quarantines (including violctions of intrastate ‘quaran-
tines relating to the Jepanese beetle and the gypsy mcth) were intercepted
in August at transit-inspection points. Forty-five shiprients of soil
somples from points in the Japanese beetle area, shipped apparently for
purposes of analysis, were intercepted at New York and Fittsburgh. <A
well-closed box of cuttings consigned to a point in Florida without name
of sender contained a note to the effect that it was first refused "be-
cause of the bug ban." Apples were found in a henvy milk case in a ship—
ment through Boston. The second case in the lot contzined milk packed in
ice and the absence of dripping water from the apple cese lead to investi-
gation. Peaches waybilled and shipped as oranges were also intercepted at
Boston. A plant shipment labeled "@lothing' was intercepted at St. Louis.
All these shipments were moving in violation of quarantines. They were
returned to the senders and reported to ficld leaders for further inves-
tization,

CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

and. A, H. Casanges, of the Beltsville, Md., laboratcry, have found the con-
fused flour beetle (Triboliun confusi Duv.) to be the most nicotine-resist-
ant insect they have yet testec, though few beetles have as yet been tricd.
Its resistance to nicotine wes found to be close to that reported previously
by other workers using a similar apparatus. Comparing these results with
the results of others working with hydcrocyanic acic was on this insect,
nicotine appears to be the more effective. This comparison is on a weaght
basis. On a nolecular basis, the difference is much greeter in favor of
nicotine. The above comparisons have to do with results on a laborrtory
scale under the most favorable conditions. Under practical conditions, if
is questicnable whether a sinilar difference: would appear.

ey

INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS

Process of making dinitro-o-cresol safe for foliage.--The high in-
secticidal value of cinitro-o-cresol has been known for some time but, be-~

cause it is very injurious to the folinge of plants, its use is limited
to dormant sprays. In an attempt to retain the insecticidal pronertics
of this compound an?’ at the same time to dininish its toxicity to plants,
L. #. Snith, of this Division, has made certain derivatives of this con-
pound. The ether of cinitro-o-cresol was patented by Mr. Smith on April
26, 1938 (U. S. Patent 2,115,046). On Aueust 16, 1938, Mr. Smith was
granted U. S. Patent 2,127,090, which covers the use as insecticides of
esters of dinitro-o-cresol. It is hoped that these derivatives will be
less injurious to foliage than was the parent compound,

Another analogue of paris green pitented.--On August 16, 1938, 7. Ez
Dearborn was granted U. S. Patent 2,127,380, which covers the use as an
insecticide of compounds of coppor, arsenic, anc unsaturated acids. These
compounds are analogous to paris green and it is believed that they will
be equally as toxic to insects and at the same tine less injurious to
plant foliage.

BEE CULTURE

New culture nediun for Bacillus larvae.--An easily prepared culture
mediuni for B. larvae, which possesses distinct advantage over media pre-
viously used in the Bureau, has been devised by E. C. Holst, Laranie, Wyo.
For example, growth of B. larvae has been obtained with it when the nun
ber of spores averaged only 1 per cc, whereas in the past the miniman nun-
ber to obtain growth in culture has been held to be 50,000 per cc. The
way now seems open for naking sinele-spore cultures for pure-strain
studies. With the new medium, cultures of B. larvae have even been made
Girectly from infected honey, 2 procedure that points to the development
of a simpler and more practicable nethod than has been used in the past
for detecting the presence of this organism in honey.

Continued importance of supersecure problem shown by recent work.—-A
recent survey by C. L. Farrar, Madison, Wis., emphasizes the importance of
the supersedure problem anc the necessity of having hardy queens of good
stock for use with packase bees. Of the queens in 143 packages established
by the North Centrol States Bee Culture Field Labor-tory this spring, 2.8
percent were lost during introduction, 3.5 percent failed to lay, 3.5 per-
cent were lost curing the first weok, 4.9 percent were lost curing second
to third weeks, 1.4 percent. were lost between the fourth and fifth weeks,
and 4.2 percent were lost between the sixth ond seventh weeks, naking a
total of 20.3 percent. Of the queens retained in the colonies at the end
of the seventh week, those found inferior anounted to 19.5 percent of the
Original number.

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS
A now galerucic beetle from sage.—-A plentiful ond well-preserved al-

coholic sample of a chrysonmelic beetle defoliating sasebrush (Artemesia
tridentata) near Aztec, N. Mex., has been received through the Bureau of

Oe

Aninal Industry. Identified by H. S. Barber as a new species of Trirhabda,
this form is of interest because scrious injury to sheep browse has been
feared from it; because the species seems to be new; and because it ex~
poses our very measer or confused knowledge of the actual species in this
group of galerucid beetles, and of their habits, host plants, habitats,
and econonic significance. Two other species of Trirhabda were described
from New Mexico but their exact type localities are unknown, neither of
them is properly represented in the National Collection, and the host-
plant records ascribed to then require confirmation.

A European ceranbycia infesting finished wood in United States.-—-A
beetle recently sent in by J. B. Van Schiver, Market Street Ferry, Camden,
N. J., who reported it as having emerged from the woodwork of a living
room, has been identified by W. S. Fisher as Stronatium fulvum Villiers.
This is one of the Huropean longhorn beetles that, probably distributed by
commerce, has been reported at various tines from Asia, South America, and
the West Indies, but has not been known to have become definitely estab-—
lished in the United States. It is allied to sorie of the species of Hburia
which have been recorded as living for many years in finished wood products.

Blister beetles, the "sray" and the "margined."--There seem to be two
very sinilar nargined blister beetles active in the Hastern States, each
sonetizies appearing in numbers and feeding destructively. Four samples
fron Clematis near Washington, D. C., were found to be mixtures of a few
"all gray" individuals among many "margined" beetles, ciffering uniforaly,
however, in certain leg characters from a colony which was defoliating po-
tato and which contained no gray beetles. Miscellaneous preserved samples
of such common anc supposedly well-known forms rarely are in series or
have the host plant data preserved, anc the gray form is not well repre—
sented in the National Collection. Pure colonies of the gray blister
beetle are said to occur anc to attack potato. There may be several species
involved anc the recorded synonymy is knorm to be erroneous. Single speci-
mens are of little aic in cetermining specific cifferences or preferred
foods, but group samples from swarms attackin: particular kinds of plants
are mmch desired by this Division. These are best killed and submitted in
{O-percent alcohol, with full data.

Addition to the collection of nematocerous Diptera.--On returning fron
Anherst, Mass., recently Alan Stone brought with him 225 specimens of
Diptera, mostly Tipulidee, received fron C. FP. Alexander, of Massachusetts
State College. These consist in part of holotypes of species described by
Dr. Alexander from National Museum material, but mostly they are paratypes
and identified specimens presented for the Museum Collection. More than
100 of the species included were not previously represented here.

smith as Formica fusca L. var., were submitted for ceternination by H. 4H.
Morrison, Oregon State College. Mr, Morrison reported that the ants were
causing damage to hops at both Yakima, Wash., and Hermiston, Oreg.

SE,

Another European pine sawfly in the United States.--Specimens from
Lamington, N. J., taken in litter under red pine, and submitted by C. VW.
Collins, of the Division of Forest Insect Investigations, have been de-
termined by Grace A. Sandhouse as Diprion frutetorunm (F.). This apparently
represents the first identification of the species from the United States,
althoush one specinen in the National Museum labeled as being from Ithaca,
N. Y¥., and another from Rye, N. Y., are evidently the same. These were
taken in 1931 and at that time were identified by W, Middleton as Diprion
sp. The species has been known in Canada since 1934, in the Niagara
Falls area.

The oriental rat flea in the interior of the United States.--The
oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild)), the chief transmitter
of bubonic plague to man, has for nany years been known to occur in the
warmer port cities of the United States but it has boen thought that the
coldér clinate of the interior would probadly prevent its devclopnent there.
Nevertheless, in 1934 it was found at Anes, Iowa, and in 1936 at St. Paul,
Minn., and H. E. Ewing and Irving Fox now record it from two additional in-
land and northern localities, nanely, Urbana, I11., and Youngstown, Ohio.

reticulata arrived on schedule again this year. On the basis of na~
terial received for deternination, P. ¥, Oman reports that the interception
of this leafhopper from the British Isles during August and September,
usually on heather, has become an annual occurrence. The ports involved
have been Sew York, Fhiladelphia, and Boston; the earliest interception,
Ausust 15; the latest, Septeriber 26. So far as known the species has not
becone established in North Anerica, A similar, though less regular phe-
nonenon, is the interception of another leafhopper, Megophthalnus scanicus
(Fall.), on shamrocks from Ireland, just before St. Patrick's Day.

—--0o00---

UNITED STATES

BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

VOLUME VY -

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

FOR SEPTEMBER, 1938

= -_ fe Op we ee ee ms ee ee ee me ee ee ey rs ee ee ee ee oe ry oes
me ee a es a a ee rrr err -

Vole Vv, Now 11 (Not_for publication) November 1, 1938

we ee ee Se me ee a a aa reer errno —

FRUIT INSECT INVESTIGATIONS |: -

Jead and arsenic residues on southern-grown peaches not excessive.—-Oliver

I, Snapp, of the Fort Valley, Ga., laboratory, reports that the results of analy—
ses' made by the Division of Insecticide Investigations show that, even when the
fruit was not brushed, the residues on harvested peaches that- had received lead
arsenate in 1938 according to the regular schedule used in the South did not oXnw
ceed the tolerances, there being 0.0086 grain of arsenic trioxide per pound and
@ lead equivalent of 0.018 grain per pound on the wmbrushed fruit. When brushed
before shipment, by means of machines with which most packing sheds are now ~-
equipped, the residue load was reduced considerably, there being only 0.0019
grain of arsenic trioxide per pound and a lead equivalent of only 0.0040 grain
per pound on the brushed fruit, Although the total precipitation during the
season was normal, heavy rains that followed shortly after the completion of the
applications at shuck.off and 4 weeks before harvest had been expected to reduce
the residue load on the ripe peaches, The results of the chemical analyses show
that the arsenic and lead residues were surprisingly lower than anticipated,

Oviposition by first-generation plum curculio in peaches in the South.aw

Mr, Snapp and J. R. Thomson, Jr., have reported on the study conducted this year
at the Fort Valley laboratory to determine the percentaze of first.generation
plum curculio females that deposited second-generation eggs during the year of
their emergence, The first eges of the second-cenerntion were recorded on June
15, oviposition having started this ycar 14 days after emergence from the soil,
the shortest period between emergence and oviposition of which we have a record,
By the md of the peach harvest 37 percent of the new beetles had deposited second.
generation eggs; 71 percent had deposited second—zencsration eges by August le:
and the last second generation egz was deposited this yenr-on August 8, In 1937
the last was deposited on August 6 and in 1936 on Aucust 3, Dissections on
Auzust 12 of the first-generation females that had not deposited any eggs during
the season revealed mature and immature egzs in about 1 beetle out of 10. The
rest of them contained no indication of immature €ges or ezg formation,

Abundance and flizht habits of dried fruit bectle.,..Catches of Carpophilus
hemipterus (L.) in a rotary net operated from April 14 to August 31 in a raisin.
storage yard by Dwizht F. Barnes and George H. Kalonstinn of the Fresno, Calif,
laboratory, were as follows: - April, 9,400; May, 54,700: June, 56,000; Tay
20,600; Auzust, 6,400. Collections removed from the net at intervals of |
minutes, both all day and all night, showed that the insect is a daytime flier
In July flight began soon after daym,:was most active during bright licht ae
ended with darkmess, Moderate numbers were takon on July 2] while tis fonseene
of the air in the shade was 108°F, a as

|
~ ow r

Strawberry leaf roller a reservoir of oriental fruit moth parasite...

H, W. Allen, of the Moorestown, N. J., laboratory, reports that during the last
year considerable new information has been gained on Ancylis comptana Froehl. |
as a reservoir of the dominant oriental fruit moth parasite Macrocentrus ancyli_ |
vorus Roh, It has been found that this parasite occurs in the strawberry leaf |
roller in nearly all strawberry-—growing sections from Moorestown, N. de, throughs |
out the Eastern Shore to Norfolk, Va. However, its abundance vories sreatly in
different sections. In order to obtain more deriniee information,on.the possi~ —
bilities of different sections as sources of this valuable specics, surveys have |
recently been placed on a quantitative basis. The following comments refer to
the third, or overwintering, broods In the vicinity of Moorestowm strawberry
acreage is still much below the average for the last few years. The percentage
of M. ancylivorus in strawberry leaf roller is 17.5, which is higher than in any —
other section surveyed, but, as the overwintering stravberry leaf roller aver
ages nbout 11,200 per acre,. the overwintering M. ancvlivorus-is only about 1 “sell
per acre, At Hammonton, N. oe the paras itization is We 7 percent, the per-acre —
moth population 14,200, and the per-acre M. ancylivorus hibernating about 680. |
At Cedarville, N. au the overwintering strawberry leaf roller is about 22,500
per. acre, but the M. ancylivorus parasitization only 0.5 percent, .and the hiberal
nating M. ancylivorus about 112 per acre. . At Bridgeville, Del., there is a
heavier leaf roller population than in any other district surveyed ,—-56,200 per
acre,-vj.and 5,9 percent parasitization, giving about 3,320 M. ancylivorus per
acre.. This high rate per acre and the extensive cultivation of strawberry in
that section probably give this area a much higher total overwintering M.
ancylivorus population than any other surveyed. Except for the Bridgeville
section, the strawberry leaf roller infestation in the Eastern Shore section of
Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia seems unusually low and the numbers of Me
ancylivorus overwintering in this host relatively few. eke

a AE

v

MEXICAN FRUITFLY

Trapping results in the lower Rio Grande Valley.—The 1938-39 season for

harvesting..of Texas citrus fruits opened on September 15. Traps have been
operated continuously from Brownsville to Laredo throughout the month. During
this period only cne edult Anastrepha ludens Loew wos trappeds This specimen

_ came from the city of Larsdo. The trap catch in September was the lowest on

record, .Only 30 fruitflies of various species “erc tnken. In addition to the
one A. ludeng previously mentioned, five A. serpentina Wied., one unidentified
Anastrepha species, and twenty-three A. pallens Coa. were trapped. The follow.
ing table shows the result of trapping and fruit collection in’ Texas and Mexico
in September;

Species * Texas * Mexico
Adults . ;
EN LLNS I Sy aspect ese SUG Tu Ne UN 1 $ @)
A. serpentina, SS Se pees oe bow ay 5 2 @)
A. Sp PHONON g MONG Kes aks neem yee ae ae seater UE LE AT IM Ne . I Oi Om
Bi paleng ss 00. 100 VTE OR ee aaa
BTS) ca en oe 5 0) : 5
Larvae : G
AL dene! C8 a Oa eee ae mene

R A 4
From Matamoros, Mexico market fruit.

Shae ae

CEREAL AND FORAGE INSECT INVSSTIGATIONS

‘

redators inhibit grasshopper abundance in California.--C. C. Wilson,
Sacramento, Calif., reports that in 1936, 1937, and 1938, intensive egg survoys
have been conducted on 5,760 acres of n-tural habitat of the clear-winged grass~
hopper (Camnula pellucida Scudd.) in San Luis Obispo County. Square-foot samples
of soil were taken on approximately 380 acres representing 43 major egg beds of
the area. In the course of the surveys each egg pod was examined for predators——
larvae of bee fly (Aphoebantus hirsutus Coq.) and blister beetle (Epicauta puncti-
collis Mann.). The potential grasshopper population in 1936, 1937, and 1938 has
been reduced by these predators 29 percent, 60 percent, and 28 percent, respec.
tively. Although there was a reduction in total egg peds per square foot in 1938
over 1937,, there was an increase of 0.6 ege pod uninjured by predators per square
foot. This increase, hovever, is attributed to the persistent scarcity of
predators on thoso eggz beds where the percentage attacked ranged from 0 to 20,

If these ese beds were eliminated from the 3 yearst data the good egg pods per
square font,vould be 6.8, 3.8, and 2.8, respectively.. Furthermore, if the egg
beds having fron 0 to 20 percent of the pods attacked were grouped for this period,
the average good ezz pods per square foot would be 1.8, 0.9, and 2.6, respectively,
and would account for the 1938 increase in zond-egg pods, These data are summa~
rized in the following table.

: : Predators : - Average ege pods per
year : Eee ¢ Bee Blister: : Reduction : square foot
: Ghee tb : "£) : : :
:Number:Number:Number :Number : Percent : Number : Number
195622229 2,223s 180 Fs .469) {: og : 2g : 5,0 FR eit,
1937~---- : 51,0962 122° 29555 os 657 4 60 : 2.8 ree ice
aes O73: . Lr See fh : 2.4 Ga eek

‘Damage by com ear worm in Illinoig.--R. A. Blanchard, Urbana, Ill., report:

that the corn ear worm, notwithstanding its early appearance, was, less abundant in
Illinois, in general, than it was in 1937. -. Examinntions showed, -however, that
late corn in southern and south-central Illingis was very heavily infested, ~ith
considerable damaze resulting. In some fields larvae were actively feeding in
considerable numbers on October 1,. Damage -in those fields will increase wntil

the larvae are killed by frost. The warm dry weather in the latter half of
September caused rapid drying of the corn, thereby limiting the extent of the
damage to early planted corn.

Winter mortality studies of grasshopper egezse-—E. G. Davis, Bozeman, Mont.,

-Teports that the percentase of winter mortality of eges on the intonsive study
areas in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota,and Montana, showed considerable
variation among the areas during the winter of 1937-38. The total percentage of
mortality ranged from 10.0 on the Havre, Mont., area to 61.4 on the Dickinson,

N. Dak., area, The avernze mortality of six areas in these four States was 32,4,
‘The predators chiefly involved in the destructicn of the pods were larvae of bee
flies, blister beetles, and carabids. Occasionally a wireworm larva was found
destroying a pod. Many pods were also found which had failed to hatch but had
apporently not been attacked by predators or parasites.

4

Length of exposure a factor in fumigation for flour beetle.--R. T. Cotton,

Manhattan, Kans., reports that experimental work on the fumigation of bagged flour
indicates that, although a dosage of 16 ounces of liquid hydrocyanic acid per ton
of flour fails to give an immediate kill of flour beetles with an overnight
exposure, the flour absorbs and retains enough gas so that all insects are killed
if they are Left in the flour for 24 hours after it is removed from the vault, and
if the dosage is reduced to 12 ounces per ton a perfect kill will be obtained if
the insects are left in the flour for 48 hours after its removal from the vault,
Analysis of the fumigated flour indicates that the gas becomes distributed through.
out the stack with reasonable uniformity by the end of the exposure period, Experi.
ments with rolled oats showed that very similar dosages were required to effect a
perfect kill, although the oats absorbed and retained more of the EE SEE than
did the flour. ;

Seasonal abundance of corn ear worm in northern Virginia.--F, F,. Dicke,
Arlington Farm, Va., reports that the survey conducted in Fairfax County to deter.
mine the seasonal abundance of the corn ear worm shows that the population is

approximately the same as the abovesnormal population for 1937, Sixty-four percent |

of all the ears examined were found to be infested, as compared to Bu. 8 percent in
1937. The normal average infestation is considered to be between 30 and 55 per.
cent. The increase in the percentage of ears infested over that of 1937 is attri-
buted to a decrease in-.the corn acreaze in this area. This decrease is estimated ~
to be about 20 percent, The total acreage in the area surveyed having all ears
infested was slightly lower than in 1937. The following table summarizes the re.
sults of this survey in Fairfax County. ;

Date silking : ~ tAcres of corn Ears ;Range of in-:Acres:100—percent

began in eutetee silking :infested:festation in: : infested
ti Islets : : sl eifvond t
ss : Santon anon: Percent:Percent ¢: Percent : Number:Percent
July 13.20--+--- 607) 2 Bhs L7e5 tle ge ¢ HOROMOTLO.! ¢ 1MCOe Um mmninNE
July 20.27------ so hats 1BB 2 4763. BH OP eTOL87.0- 3/2. ele eos
July 27—Augusit 3s: GO. %. 69.62 25.6.3 = (Bel 3 50.0-93.0 99) obs aie eames
August 3210-—-—-: 4s 27) 3 2 Gee = 9565. 11 S950-99.0). cu S15 e8
Mizus § 10m 7—-—=3) ds (ets 222 100 50s : : 0
: Se OO Ou samc Ou Ol ate anne : 18866 : 64.6

The high population level of the ear,worm in 1937 and 1938 is primarily due
to mild winters. The population in 1937 was approximately double that of 1936,
which was preceded by a severe winter. It is.believed that the populntion in 1938
_was kept stable primarily because of a high mortality of hibernating pupae during
the previous fall And’ winter, The mortality is largely attributed to the high
soil moisture prevalent from October to March. The maximum acreage of corn came
into silk between July 20 and July 2/7,.amd when this acreage reached its maxinum
freshesilk stage the nunber of egzs per silk was at a minimum; however, the peak
in the seasonal’ abundance occurred in this peak acreage. As in the. past 4 years,
the data on seasonal abundance show that the percentage of ears infested is a poor
figure to use for a comparison of the abundance during the season. The abundance
of the attractive host material present in the field Gag blossoming stage of
corn) at any particular time is the major item to be considered in determining
seasonal abundance ‘of this insect.

}

= Dos
A new preferred host plant for potato leafhopper,—'!In all of our past

work on Empoasca fabae (Harr.)," reports F. W. Pons, of the Arlington Farn, Vae,
lrboratory, "it appeared that this species preferred potato when given its choice
for oviposition. However, rocent obs :rvntions indicated that the broad bean
(Vicia faba) was severely injured by this insect under all conditions. Five test
were therefore made during the period May-July,1938 to determine whether this
leafhopper preferred brond bean or potato for oviposition. Ten plonts of each
species were used in these tests and a total of 1,566 nymphs were counted, T2./
percent of which hatched fron the brond bean plants, or nearly three times as
many as hatched fron the potato, Remarkable control of the potato le»fhopper
injury on alfalfa by a mixture cf pyretHrun and sulphur dust applied to the crop
after the injury hnd become apparent was obtained in preliminary tests at
Arlington Farn and at Oakton, Va., in 1938,"

t

JAPANESE BEETLS CONTROL

Aerial maps facilitate scouting for Dutch elm disease,.~-Aerial photographic

maps showing the terrain over.which Dutch elm disease scouts are operating, with
landmarks and the actual trees examined or sampled, hrve increased the efficiency
. of the seasonal surveys for infected trees. On ench nap have been drawn in
township and county lines, and a system of srid lines showing the degrees and
minutes of latitude and lonzitude. New Jersey maps are 6-minute quadrangles,
covering 35 square miles, while maps of Nev York and Connecticut are 5.minute
quadrangles covering 27.8 square miles, In all except one county the scale is

1 inch to 3,000 feet. In the infected area, fcremen are -furnished with key

maps covering 5 or 6 quadranzles assigned to individual scout crews. On the
quadrangles in,the hands of the crews are plotted 111 naturally eln-free areas,
areas in which elms have been silvicided, and sections that have been clearcut
to remove all elms, Aerial maps are in use by font scouts working throughout the
Connecticut work area, in Rockland, Dutchess, Suffolk, and Nassau Counties, N.Y.,
in all New Jersey counties except Monnouth County and the netropolitan area, and
in the Pennsylvania work area adjacent to the Delaware River. One of the prin-
cipal advantazes of the aerial maps is that it is no lonzer necessary to assign
one man in a crew to make measurements tao nearby landmarks in writing up the
location of a sampled tree. By placing a dot on the exact tree involved and

- surrounding this with a circle, it is possible aecurately to estimate distances
from nearby landmarks by the zrid lines of the nap at intervals of 4,000 feet.
Eradiention crews in turn are furnished with maps on which elms to be removed
are spotted. This permits return to the exact spot by the nearest accessible
Toad, thereby speeding up the work,

Autogiro scouting for Dutch eln Gdisease.~~All five autoziro @round crews
in Connecticut were unable to work during the week of September 18 to 24, in.
clusive, owinz to the hurricane, On Tuesday, September 27, one autogird scouted
Ross Township in Monroe County, Pas Ground crews will scout the roads in thig
particular township. The flyinz unit in New ersey completed the second go.over
on September 26, Approximately 44.56 square miles were scouted. Ground crews
completed Ringwood and West Milford Townships in Passaié County and Vernon and
Walpack Townships in Sus cex County during the last week of the month, Approxi.~
mately 121.65 square miles were scouted on this second zo.over. In New York
the two flying units scouting in Putnan County conpleted the second go~over ays
September 28. This completed all the flying assignments in the State of New York.

Owes

Approxinately 129.7 square miles were scouted, Ground crews following up in Put-
nan County should complete this work early in the first week in October, conclud
ing all autogiro scouting operations in New York. The flyinz unit ‘assigned to
autoziro railroad scouting; completec scouting 4706.2 miles of railroad rizhts-
of-way on the northern loop of railroads on September 24, 1938. Ground crews q
should complete the assignment on the northern loop in the first week of October,

anpling of each elm necessary toa deternine Inte~season infectione—A con—
firmation in Putnam Valley Township, Putnan County, N. Y., consists of an elm tree —
with double trunk, each trunk neasuring 18 inches DBH. This tree was discovered
by one of the New York State auto~cruising crews. Without doubt it was a 1938
infection, as there was no dead wood in it. This confirmation is approximately 1
mile west of the 1938 Carmel Township tree and less than 1 mile north of two 1938
confirnations. Two trees in Glen Cove, Oyster Bay Township, Nassau County, N. Y.,
were confirmed on September 15. Both of these trees had yellow and thinning
leaves, but so did the other elms in that vicinity, and they probably would have
been missed if all the trees had not beon climbed. On September 16 a tree in .
Lottingtown in the sane tomship was confirmed. This particular tree seened healthy
when another tree near it had been confirmed. When the first of these two trees
was being eradicated on September 2, no symptoms were noted in the other tree, On
September 3 the scouts hauled some beetle wood tc the fire where the first tree

was being burned. They noticed then some yellow leaves on one side of the tree,
They sampled the tree and observed 1 few streaks in the sample. In little more
than a week this tree was almost bare of leaves. Its death was one of the most
rapid ever observed. ;

Hurricane makes extra work for Dutch elm disense crews.—Durins the week |
ended Septenber oh, henvy rains were constant through Monday, Tuesday, am Wednesday,
reaching torrential proportions at times, and culmincting on Wednesday in a hurri-
cane that swept New Jersey , New York, and the New England States. Thousands of
trees were blown dowm and many homes demolished. From Long Island through Connecti-
cut, Rhode Island,‘ and Massachusetts many lives vere lost in the worst storm in
severn] generations. During the latter part of September all Connecticut sanita.
tion crews equipped with trucks that could be used for hauling worked on elms
felled and uprooted by the hurricane of September 21. With good weather during the
last veek of September, the eradication crews in New Jersey wore able to lover the
nuriber of standing Dutch elm Ciseased trees. .

First-record Dutch elm disease infection.—During the last week of September
a confirmation was received for a tree in West Easton, Northampton County, Pa. Exe
tension of the infected zcne to include this new infection required the addition of
Greenwich, Hormony,Lépatcong, an& Pohatconz Townships, the borough of Alpha, and
the town of Phillipsburg, all in Warren County, N. J., an area of 49.55 square
miles, The extension necessary in Pennsylvania is approximately 5 square miles.

Valuadle elm succumbs. Dutch elm disease confirmation early in September
was oan elm 44 inches DBH at Greenwich, Fairfield County, Conn. This tree was
in front of an old stone house which the owner had purchased in Europe, taken dom,
and rebuilt.in this country. The porticular site for the house was selected ben
cause of this elm-and its renoval spoils the effect of age so necessary in a proper
setting for the house.

§
f
§
10

er

eae

Season's scoutimz concluded.—-Systemnat ic scouting for Dutch elm disease
was officially ended on Friday, September 30, and the personnel was rearranged
for the October set-up. All tools and equipment were checked and preparations

completed for tagzing dead and dying trees and for sanitation work -to start on
October 3. ae

Data on fumigation for Japanese beetle,--During the period of the farn-—

products quarantine the total number of cars fumigated with hydrocyanic acid was
6,256. Of this number 5,478 cars were empties, 633 contained bananas, 59 con
tained onions, 81 contained potatoes, 3 contained tomtoes, 1 car was a mixed

load, and 1 contained sweetpotatocs. © The funigation of farm products with methyl
bromide cased early in September, the last cars being fumizated at the Edge Moor
railroad yards in Delaware on September 10. Forty-three cars of sweetpotatoes were
fumigated at the Edge Moor yards and one car at the Greenwich yard in Philadelphia,
Pa, During the season 2,613 cars of yotatees, 61 cars of sweetpotatoes, 51 cars

of onions, 8 cars of tomatoes, and 2 mixed loads were fumigated with methyl bromide
making a total of 2,735. The total number of cars fumigated, including both hydro-
cyanic acid and methyl bromide treatments, was 6,991.

Japanese beetle control activities on the Hastern Shore of Maryland.~—Dur~
ing September shipments of sweetpotatoes fron the Eastern Shore of Maryland were
very numerous. Approximately 120 refrigerator cars of sweetpotrtoes were inspected
and certified for shipment outside ‘the Japanese beetle regulated area. Several
thousand units of this same commodity were also inspected, with the possibility
that they might be consigned to points outside the quarantined area, Between
September 1 and September 20, the date of lifting the farm products quarantine,

30 cars of apples were certified for shipment mtside the regulated area from
Maryland's Enstem Shore. Also in the same district 43,000 strawberry plants were
inspected and certified for shipment during September, .

Gain in nursery shipments fron central Pennsylvania...There seems to be a
definite zain in the fall nursery business in the New Cumberland, Pa., district,

Larger orders are now being handled than in any of the past several years, Severa?
carload shipments of nursery stock,: originating at 2 nursery in Lancaster County,

pwere made to the western part of the St:te, and actual inspections of material be-
ing moved outside the Japanese beetle regulated areahave shown. a definite increase.

Transfer of Japanese beetle district supervisors.~.0n September 1 H. L.
‘Smith was transferred from the supervision in the New York City district office

ito the supervisorship of the Dover, Del., district, H. B. Ward was transferred
from supervision of the Richmond, Va., district field office to supervision of the
district office at Syracuse, N. Y., on September 16, Leland Wolfe, formerly distri
supervisor at Syracuse, N. Y., assumed supervision of the New York City district
office on October l, :

Japanese beetle funization and farmproducts restrictions lifted,.-Effect.
live at midnight August 31, fumization of enpty refrigerator cars used to haul
‘fruits and vegetables was discontinued. Screening of vents was required witil
poecptember 10. When farm products were loaded in uninspected cars, the loaded car
was fumigated before certification. Restrictions on the movement of farm products
ore lifted on September 20 until June 15, 1939.

ee

Late Japanese bectle infestation,——On September 23, ten live Japanese

beetles were found feeding on grape folinze in Elmira, N. Y. These beetles were
found by an inspoctor in the course of special checking to determine how late ©
beetles night be found in that section. Sor Pas ;

Harrisburg rose gardens delayed blooms.--Rose gardens in Italian Parkas
|

at Harrisburg, Pa., were in good bloom in late September, attracting many

visitors. During the time of the. Japanese beetle flight the beds were sprayed

and kept more or less free of blorms,.so that they are now in beautiful condition, |
: ‘

Trappine for Japanese beetles at Springfield, Mass.——Information was re-

ceived from the Park Department of Springfield, Mass., as of September 15, that
600,000 Japanese beetles were caught in the 1,650 traps in operation in that
city during the summer, :

Infested material shipped from:reservoir site.——Fortions of several ads

joining townships in central Massachusetts have been tnken over by the State for
_@ link in the chain of reservoirs that make up the Boston metropolitan water
supply. In the region several villages and many old homes have been abandoned
and practically all the lumber has been cut. In some instances extremely old and
highly valued homes are being torn down and the material transported to other
sections for rebuilding. Up to the present time, 19 gypsy moth egg clusters have
been found and removed fron material taken from these old houses before it was
transported outside the gypsy moth regulated area.

Increase _in gypsy moth personnel,-..Owing to the increase in fall shipments
of nursery stock to points outside the gypsy noth regulated area, two inspectors

were employed temporarily in nurseries, one at Fryeburg, Maine, and the other at
Newport, R. I, It became, necessary also, to station two inspectors at a nursery
in western Massachusetts ta inspect material prior to storing it for early spring
shipment.

FOREST INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Elm bark beetle may breed _in small branches,-~Galleries of the smaller .

European elm bark beetle (Scolytus multistriatus Marsham) are sometimes found in
dead or dying elm branches measuring an inch or less in diameter. C. H. Hoffmann,
of the Morristown, N. J., laboratory, reports that adults have emerzed from
small, infested elm sticks that he collected this year, the smallest of these
being 1 inch in diameter,

Diseased sapwood may contaminate elm bark beetles,~-It has been noted
that adults of the smaller Eurnpean elm bark beetle sometimes pentrate the bark
of elms affected by the Dutch elm disease but, on finding conditions unsatisfactory
for making galleries, leave the trees and go elsewhere, An experiment conducted |
by W. D. Buchanan, of the Morristown laboratory, indicates how beetles may thus
become contaninated with Ceratostomella ulmi, Adults ef S. multistriatus and
oi the native elm bark beetle (Hylursopinus rufipes Eich.), known to be Tree of |
the fungus, were allowed to attack logs immediately after they hnd been cut from |
a diseased tree, The discoloration that occurs in trees affected by the disease ‘
was evident in these logs in the wood of the current season's srowth. As soon as
the beetles had reached the sapwood they were removed and later cultured by the
Bureau of Plant Industry. The fungus was obtained from 4 of 54 §, multistriatus

ee ee

oss

adults and from 11 of 69 H. rufipes adults. Fifty of the areas where §. multi.
striatus adults had come in contact with the sapwood were also cultured, The
fungus: was obtained from 11 of these areas.

Beech scale shows little increase in Maine,.R, C. Brown and L. D. Casey,

of the New Haven, Conn., laboratory, report that 37 permanent sample plots estab.
lished in 1933 in central and eastern Maine were examined during the last e weeks
in September, in cooperation with representatives of the Division of Forest
Pathology, Bureau of Plant Industry. The intensity of the scale infestation is
not appreciably heavier..than in 1937 nor is there any marked increase in the
number of dead trees, .

Investigations on the European spruce sawfly.~-P, B. Dowden, New Haven,
reports that the survey on the European spruce sawfly was completed in New
Hampshire, Vermont, and New. York on September 24, This work was done in coopera.

-tion with State agencies in New Hampshire and Vermont, whereas in New York all of
the survey was conducted by. State employees, Microplectron rearing was brought
to a close on Aveust 20. Between 5 and 6 million parasites were reared. © About
1-1/2 million were liberated in New York, 1-1/2 million in Vermont, 1 million in
New Hampshire, and 1 million in Maine. mall numbers of several species of
spruce sawfly parasites were received from the Canadian parasite laboratory dur-
ing August and September, About half of the material received was liberated,
while the other half was held at the laboratory for experimental rearing. Two
species ef cocoon parasites have been studied and one of them has been bred in
considerable numbers for one generation. Five species of ‘larval parasites have
also been studied. Only one species. (Holocremmus) was observed mating, but all
five species have deposited quite a few eggs on larvae of Diprion polytomum
(Hte.). On August 19 a 3/4.acre plot heavily infested with spruce sawfly was
sprayed at Wilmington, Vt., by personnel from the Division of Gypsy Moth and
Brown-tail Moth Control, This plot will te sprayed each year and the trees
compared with adjoining trees, which will not be sprayed.

Folinge injury.~~Wett ing, spreading, and emulsifying agents were prepared
which were nontoxic to tender foliage when applied in concentrations generally
used in ordinary and concentrated spray mixtures. Most oil sprays have not been
safe on dormant trees at concentrations greater than 2 to 4 percent, nor on
summer foliage at concentrations greater than 1 percent. Often these concentra_
tions are-too weak to control the insect. Both the oil and the enulsifying
agent have caused injury. Recent developments, however, indicate that certain
Oils can be used up to 15 percent on tender foliage without causing injury, In
concentrated lead arsentate spray mixtures, and te a considerable degree in
ordinary.spray concentrations as well, the addition.of small quantities of ferrous
Sulphate and lime practically eliminated the injury to wild black cherry, which
has practically the same degree of resistance to injury as peach, plun, cherry,
and beans. The ferrous sulphate—lime mixture greatly increased the adherence of
the lead arsenate. In ordinary spray concentrations of caloium arsenate the
addition of weak solutions of bordeaux mixture greatly reduced foliage injury.
In concentrated sprays the addition of lime to reduce free arsenic and the addi.
ae of "casco" casein glue and corn oil to coat the particles greatly reduced
injury.

-«- 10 o

Dust adhesives and carriers,-—Twelve dust mixtures were applied to spruce
and to deciduous growth. The insecticides used were lead arsenate and calcium .
arsenate, with which barite and celite were used as carriers. The adhesives and
spreaders were dehydrated molasses and’milk solids, glycerine, corn oil, soybean
flour, triethylamine oleate, and "casco" casein glue. Glycerine has served very
well to take up moisture from the air and some of the adhesives appear to be very
good. A given volume of barite weighs 4 times as much as the same volume of lead
arsenate and 16 times as much as celite, and therefore reduced the amount of drift
by wind.

-

Western yellow pine susceptible to attack by eastern species of Matsui.

coccus.-~I, J. Parr, of the New Haven laboratory, reports on-investigations with
the eastern species of Matsucoccus: "Matsucoccus eggs planted on the twigs of
western yellow pines at Rainbow in May hatched and some.of. the crawlers became
established. The number able to maintain themselves was small, however, in com-
parison te the number of eggs planted. Those that did live have gone through the
last molt and have migrated-to the bark of the large branches and main trunks,
where they are laying eggs... An hemipterous predator, Orius insidiosus Say, has
beén observed feeding on Matsucoccus egg masses on pitch pine,"

Oviposition habits of the locust borer...H. C. Secrest, Milwaukee, Wis.,

has found that there is a distinct relation between air temperature and the usual
daily migration of the beetles from goldenrod to the trees. On one cool, cloudy
day, when the temperature remained below 70° F., the beetles did not leave the
goldenrod blossoms. This was also the case on cold rainy dayse ii

Forest~insect-survey progran.-~Forest—-insect surveys being conducted by
the forest-insect laboratory at Coeur d'’Alene, Idaho, incl ude a resurvey of the
Coeur d'Alene National Forest, the Clearwater National Forest and adjacent private
land, the Kootenai National Forest, the Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand
Teton National Park, with rechecks of potentially dangerous areas disclosed by
1937 surveys within the St, Joe, Kaniksu, Weiser, and Nezperce National Forests.
This progran, which is under the direction of 1. 1, Terrell, includes 2,642,500
acres, exclusive of the areas to be rechecked. Two crews of four and eight men
are being used in the execution of these surveys. The smaller crew is employed on
the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park projects, the larger on the National
Forests of northern Idaho. The Coeur d'Alene and Grand Teton Park projects have
been completed, with the Clearwater to be completed in a few days. The remainder
of the progran will be completed during the latter part of October.

Douglas fir shortage,~~According to J. M, Whiteside, of the Portland, Oreg.,
laboratory, there is a decided shortage, of Douglas fir on the Colville National
Forest, in northeastern Washinzton, from which to cut railroad ties. Depreda.
tions by defoliating insects and the Douglas fir bark beetle (Dendroctonus
pseudotsugae Hopk.) over a period of approximately 20 years have so reduced the
estimated stands of this species that forest officers nre having a difficult time
finding quantities sufficient to warrant tie sales. On many areas the only live
firs to be found are those of small diameters, usually below 14 or 16 inches, the
larger trees remaining as snags in varying stages of deterioration.

- ll-

GYPSY MOTH AND BROWN.TAIL MOTH. CONTROL

Hurricane and floods damage tree grovth and property.--Only limited re-
ports of conditions in the gypsy moth area affected by the flood and hurricane
are now available, but it seems evident that the barrier-zone sections of Vermont,
Massachusetts, and Connecticut were on the western edge of the hurricane area and
suffered less damage than the sections east of the zone. The gypsy moth infested
areas in Pennsylvania and New York were not affected by the hurricane and flood
damage was small. Future gypsy moth scouting and treatment work in the affected
sections will be graatly impeded by fallen trees and debris on the ground, and
the shattered tree trunks and branches will render efficient scouting work more
difficult by providine countless new sites for the deposition of egg clusters.
Incomplete reports fron the field indicate that no injury was sustained by any
zypsy moth employee and that the only governnent property to sustain appreciable
damage was the autogiro owned by this activity. This machine was stored in a
hangar at the Orange, Mass., airport, which was directly in the path of the
hurricane, The wind lifted the roof and sides of the hangar, throwing them back-
wards mostly away from the autoziro, but demolishing the rotor blades and slightly
damazing one wing and the rudder,

Sprouts grow rapidly in selectively thinned areas.~-Sprouts have grown

very rapidly during the past summer in all sections of New England where gypsy

moth thinninz work was done last winter and spring, particulsrly in Massachusetts
and Connecticut. Exceedinzly wet and humid weather prevnient fron the middle of
July until late in August was conducive’ te the rank growth of the sprouts, many
of which exceed 6 feet in hei=ht. Selective thinning of the sprouts has already
been startea in certain localities and this type of work will increase as the
season develops and conditions become more suitable for treatment work.

Dense thickets of mountain laurel thinned to facilitate scout ing.--~Many

of the gypsy moth infestations found’ within the barrier zone in southwestern
Massachusetts and in northwestern Connecticut are located in areas where mountain
laurel is very abundant. ‘The laurel grows in dense thickets of intertwined
branches, which are very difficult to penetrate. In certain localities it has
been necéssary to remove some of the plants so that those remaining could be
examined efficiently.

Old _infectation appsrently eradicated,——Burlap bands attached to trees
last spring at the site of a gypsy noth infestation discovered curinz the fiscal
year 1936 in Derby, Vt., were renoved and destroyed in September. The trees in
the vicinity of the old colony site were carefully scouted and, as no evidence of
the presence of the gypsy moth was found, the infestation is considered to be
eradicated,

No gypsy moths found in Somerset. Vt.~~Gypsy moth scouting of the open

areas in Sonerset, a tovnship adjacent to the barrier zone in southern Vernont,
has been completed, No evidence of the gypsy moth was found.

Gypsy moth discovered in two previcusly uninfested tows.-~jAbout the middle

of September a single-ezg.cluster infestation was found in the town of Goshen
and another single-ezz-.cluster colony was discovered in the town of Granville,
Addison County, Vt. These towns are situated on high elevations in the Green

eae ee

Mountain Range, within the borders of the barrier zone, and have not previously
been infested. It is evident that these infestations became established as a |
result of the wind spread of snall gypsy moth caterpillars fron infestations
existing along the White River to the east of, and outside of, the barrier zone.
The woodland growth in the imnedinte vicinity of both infested sites consists
chiefly of maple, yellow birch, and beech.

—

Fall mrsery dizging delayed in New York State.~.Nurserynen in the gypsy

moth quarantined area on Long Island, N. Y., delayed their fall digging during the
first part of September. The unusually dry and baked condition of the soil in
the nurseries made the digging of a satisfactory ball of soil around the roots of
shrubs extremely difficult.

Scoutings work begun at sites where zZypsy moths were attracted to assembling

cages.--Scouting work was started during September in the vicinity of assembling
cages where male gypsy moths were taken during the past summer ‘in Pennsylvania.
One gypsy noth infestation has been located approxinatoly 650 feet from a cage
where a moth was found in Kidder Township. No infestation has yet been discovered

at the sites of cages that attracted moths in Tobyhanna and Dennison Townships.

Gypsy moth scouting on the banks of the Susquehanna and Lackawanna Rivers,-~—

Gypsy moth scouting work was started early in September along the Susquehanna and
Lackawanna River banks and the lowlands frequently flooded by these streams in the
townships of Hanover, Plymouth, and Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Progress has been slow, as
this work is necessarily very intensive, Recently constructed dikes, or levees,
built alonz the banks of the Susquehanna River for flood—control purposes have
materially reduced the quantity of tree growth and debris to be examined. During
the course of construction the river banks were thoroughly cleaned and all brush,
tree growth, and driftwood were destroyed by burning in many sections,

Sumvary of C. C. C. burlapping work,..A total of 613,014 trees were bur
lapped by C. C. C. “ypsy moth enrollees during the past season in 3e towns in

Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont. More than 7,684,400: gypsy moths in the
caterpillar or pupal stages were crushed by the men who patrolled the bands;
approximately 6,400,000 in Massachusetts, 1,170,000 in Vermont, and 65,000 in
Connecticut. The amount of this type of work done last season was only about
half that of the previous year, because of the great reduction in the number of
C. Cs C. camps in the areas where gypsy moth work is performed,

All types of gvpsy moth work to be used at a heavy infestation in
Connecticut...A great’ deal of intensive work is planned for the coming year at the

heaviest and most extensive gypsy moth infestation that has ever cxisted west of
the Connecticut River, The infestation covers more than 1,000 acres in the towns
of Granby and Simsbury, in the northwestern section of Connecticut, and a careful
count made in one part of the colony showed approximately 60,000 egg clusters to
the acre. All types of gypsy moth work will be done in this area, in order to
prevent the westward spread of small caterpillars next spring. The work has been
speeded up by discontinuing the creosoting of egg clusters on the forest debris,
and the waste material is gathered into piles and burned... The ogg. clusters on the ~
trees, within reach fron the ground,are being creosoted as rapidly as possible, and
this work will continue through the winter. Many of the trees will have to be
climbed, later, in order to destroy large numbers of egg clusters onthe upper

eS es
branches and trunks. This rather rough treatment will leave a heavy eround in-
festation, which it is planned to reduce by burlapping and spraying work next
spring. Four C. C. C. crows, each consisting of from 15 to 20 men, are now
enployed in this area, and there is a possibility that additional men may soon
be made available.

after the flood and the hurricane, They renoved fallen trees from highways,
aided in reopening roads, and performed many other services.

PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

Salt brine kills native barberries in Virginia.~-Two areas of ristive bar.
berries in Montzgonery County that were treated during the early spring, one with
salt brine and the other with dry salt, were checked to determine the effective.
ness of the chemical used. One plot of about 40 square rods containing approxi.
mately 50,000 barberry bushes had been treated with salt vrine, and om another
area covering about 1,000 square yards and having ap: roxinately 60,000 bushes,
9,000 pounds of dry salt had boen used. It was found thot over 99 percent of the
bushes had been killed in exch plot. In the plot where salt brine was used it was
found that grass and many kinds of weeds were growing over much of the area when
the inspection was made in the fall, while regrovth in the area where dry salt
was used had not recovered nearly so rapidly.

Resurvey work in Colorado A resurvey was made of 72 properties on which
native barberry bushes were treated durinz the 1935 and 1936 seasons and it was
found that regrowth of only about 2 to 5 percent had occurred. During this re.
survey 27 tons of salt and 8,485 pounds of atlacide were used to destroy the
35,971 sprouting bushes found. Accurate maps of all properties having bushes
were prepared when the first survey was made and these assisted greatly in the
resurvey. Crews of security waze earners resurveyed 214 square miles in the
irrigated area in the north.central part of the State in Weld ond Larimer
Counties, where 45 barberry bushes were eradicated on 7 properties. In addit.”.
11 new properties having 128 bushes and seedlings were located. Before the be
ginning of the control program in 1918, local epidemics of stem rust occurred
almost every year in this area and in favorable seasons these became general
epidemics. Orinz to the eradication of the barberry bushes and frequent inspec-—
tions for its cmtrol, sten rust damage has been grently reduced in this area.

Scouting parties find blister rust in Plumas National Forest.—~Blister rust
infection on Ribes was discovered in the vicinity of Buck's Lake, on the Plumas
National Forest, in California. This plnces blister rust on the Plumas Forest
for the first timo and is also the most southern Imown location of the rust. One
of the scouting parties has shifted the scene of its operations to the southern
part of the Plumas whore little scouting has been done hithorto.e Several other
blister rust infections have also been found, two major ones being the discovery
of the rust along Bailey Creek nenr Viola on the western Lassen Forest by our
blister mst scouts, and in the vicinity of Terry Mill in the extreme southern end
of the Shasta Forest by a member of the Division of Forest Pathology, Bureau of
Plant Industry. Infection found recently on Ribes in the southern part of the
Lassen National Forest has been determined as caused by both Cronartium ribicola

zn ilies
a

‘and C. occidentale, whereas Ribes infection found on the Eldorado National Forest
was .determined as C. occidentale.

Blister rust control in Northeastern StatessmAn area aggregating over
550,000 acres in eight of the Northeastern States has been cleared of more than
ton million wild Ribes and nearly fourteen thousand cultivated Ribes. during the
period May to Aucust 1938, inclusive. This work gave approxinately 154,000 man
days employment to nearly 2,700 laborers. Over 86. percent of the total area
examined for Ribes was in connection with projects operated with emergency relief
funds. Crews from 75 C. C. C. camps and an average of over 900 W. P. A. laborers

were used m Ribesseradication work during the 1938 season.

Qld forest pays its wayee-The oldest community forest in the United States,
at Newinzton, N. H., is an.example of how such forests pay their way, The ile
‘acres of Newington Forest, which now consists of white pines mixed vith hard.
woods, were set aside in 1710 fron common preperty and wmallotted land. Simce
then, tinber and forest products obtained from the forest have helped build the
Village church, the parsonage, the town hall, a school, and a library, The |
community forest completely surrounds the village center, In addition to furnish
ing about 30 cords of wood to keep the tow hall and library and other public
buildines warm during the winters, the forest provides a playground and ball
field close to home for the village children. M,re than $6,000 worth of income
has been received fron the sale of forest products curing the last 50 years, yet
the present value of the timber on the lle acres is estimated at $5,800. At one
tims the tinber on 12 2.acre lots was sold to pay off a town debt of $2,400. In
1915 about 10,000 younz white pine trees were presented to the town of Newington
by their representative to the State Legislature, in place of the supper which
had been customarily given by the representative~elect. School children ani
totmspeople cooperated in planting the 10,000 pines.

Ribes cradicction in the sugar pine region.--The best record of the season
in acreage covered dy eradication crews was made during August, when 10, 8447 acres.
were blocked out as Ribese»free, and 32,298 acres were worked by eradication crewse
The seasonal total for the Sugar Pine Region to date is 93,038 acres. In Oregon
a zrapple or plow device, operated by a team of horses and driver assisted by
two men, made encouraging progress in eradicating large Ribes cereum bushes in
an area where other eradication methods had proved inadequate and costly. In
16 days of operation the crew cévered about 15 acrog and pulled 17,108 bushes.
This output is nearly four tines faster and cheaper than the work could have
been done by handpullinz methods. The camps with W. P. A. lavor lost little
time from forest fire in California and Oregon, but the C. C. C.. dlister rust
caips in northern California spent a large part of their time fighting fire.

The tumover in camps manned with W. P. A. l-bor was large, and because of the
diminishinz number of relief workers available for blister rust assignment in
Doth States, it was not possible to maintain the canps at full strength, One
camp in Oregon was closed on Ausust 20 because of the insufficient supply of

labor, and one Forest Service W. P. A. camp on the Plumas 1s closed on August

SiG : ;
&S in keeping with the regular plan for seasonal cessation of work on that foreste

za 1:5 ae
COTTON INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Airplane dusting for hemipterous insects.—-T. P. Cassidy reports that one

conpany near Tucson, Ariz., dusted all of their cotton crop, consisting of 3,000
acres of shortestaple and 300 acres of Pima cotton, this season by airplone for
control of hemiptcrous insects. The Bureau cooperated in making populntion
counts and reconnendations for poisoning. The infest tion of henipterous insects
was very licht, as compared with the populations in the Yuna and Salt gus
Valleys, and consisted principally of Lyegus spp.e Three applications of /Z+-per=
cent paris green and gek-percent sulphur nixture at the rate of 15 pounds per
acre-application at 7-day intervals were used. The airpl»ne operators applied
the poison for 45 cents per rcré~application.

Henipterous cotton insects in 1938.~-Studies to obtain adcitional informa~
tion on the seasonal distribution and migrations of hemipterous insects fron

other host plants to cotton were continued by Hprace G. Johnston, of the Tucson
laboratory, from June 15 to August 2. Special attention was given to the Yuma
Valley of Arizona, “here larger populations and nore severe damage occur than

in any other important cotton growing area of the Southwest, though collections
and observations were made in the Bord and Blythe aréas in California, the

Deming area in New Mexico, the Presidio area in Texns, and by other members of

the Tucson staff in other sections of Arizona,: Forty-five species of hemipterous
insects were collected on cotton. Four of these had not been previously recorded,
though many are merely of accidental occurrence and of no economic importance,

Of the six species feeding on dolls, Euschistus impictiventris Stal and Chlorochrog
sayi Stal were again by far the most important. Of the six species feeding on
squares, Lysus hesperus Knight is the nost abundant and important, although
Creontiades femoralis Van D. was sufficiently abundant in the Salt River and Yuna
Valleys to be an important factor. Of the predators, Geocoris sonoraensis Van D.
was the most abundant, although little information has been’ obtained on the
importance of the predators, Euschistus impictiventris wos more abundant and
decidedly nore uniform and zenerally distributed on cotton in the Yuma Valley. than
in 1937. When ovservations were first made in alfalfa-seed fields about June 15,
most fields were in full bloom and E. inpictiventris was guite abundant. By the
following week they had largely disappeared fron sight and very few were found

for several weeks, or until the alfalfa vas cut for seed and raked into windrows.
Adults and nymphs then appeared in large numbers, crawlins cut of the cracks in
the ground where they had apparently ‘gone for protection. Many of the adults be.
gan to leave the fields immediately but the nymphs and some of the adults re.
mained under the shocks until threshing time and no doubt many of the nymphs
found sufficient food to reach maturity after mowing. C. sayi was found in the
same manner as E, impictiventris and why this species was not more abundant in
cotton in the Yuna Valley this season cannot be explained at present. Lyzus
hesperus has been classed as a square-feeder, because it feeds’ readily on squares
or in the terminal and lateral buds, principally the laterals, causing destruction
of the tiny squares. It now seems that this species may cruse considerably more
damage by feeding on the small bolls than was fornerly attributed to it, and
accounts for a considerable percentaze of the so~called "natural shed" attributed
to unfavorable weather conditions, The heavy nigration of Ly=us to cotton started
about July 1, which coincided “ith the beginning of the excessively hot weather
and the time alfalfa seed wns rapidly maturing. Many of the larger dolls were
punctured but not shed and, although thoy probably would be punctured later by
pentatomids, ‘some of the stained and otherwise injured bolls were undoubtedly due

Oe

to Lyzgus feeding. Populations of Lyeus nymphs were quite large on alfalfa hay
just before cutting, but apparently most of them perished after the hay was cut,
Creontiades femoralig leaves alfalfa early and continues to breed in cotton
throughout the season, and most of the other species breed sufficiently on cotton
to be of importance. However, the alfalfa-seed~field relationship is thought to
explain largely the variations in abundance of hemipterous insects on cotton in

- the a@ifferent areas of Arizona. The Yuma Valley produces a higher percentage of
alfalfa seed than any of the other areas, and consistently has the highest popula
tion of hemipterous insects in cotton. In the Buckeye area of the Salt River
Valley, alfalfa seed production’is much less and the insect population in cotton
fields is consistently less than*in the Yuma Valley. In the Mesa area, of the
Salt River Valley, alfalfa seed production has been practically eliminated in
recent years, owing apparently to injury by Lygus hesperus and Chlorochroa sayi,,
and the insect populations on cotton during the last 2 years have been light,
despite the large acreages of alfalfa hay. In the Salt River Valley as a whole,
however, other cultivated host plants, especially sugar beet seed, have become
important factors in the henipterous insect problem in recent years. In the
Tucson area, where no alfalfa seed is grown and the production of alfalfa hay

is relatively small, the populations in cotton fields have been consistently low.
In the Safford area a small percentage of alfalfa seed is produced but an abundance |
of alfalfa hay. This area has cmsistently shown relatively small populations in

. cotton fields, although somewhat larger than in the Tucson area. There is no
doubt, however, that if all the alfalfa acreage in some arens, as the Yuma Valley,
were utilized for hay sufficient numbers of insects would still develop to be of
econonic importance to cotton, unless alfalfa hay production. was continued through-
out the summer, which is not the usual practice, Hiei

PINK BOLLWORM AND THURBERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

Stalk destruction.—The chief activity in‘the lower Rio Grande Valley of
Texas has been the- destruction of cotton stalks. The cotton acreaze for the past
season was 259,535, and stalks had been destroyed on 237,524 acres by the end of
September. Approximately three-fourths’ of the acreage not plowed is in the north-
western part of the district in what is known as the dry~land farming section, The
crop. was considerably later in this section and growers were sranted an extension of
~ time 60 that they could complete the harvesting of the crop. The same program is
.being carried out on the Mexican side of the river. The cotton acreage last season
was estimated at approximately 150,000, and work had been completed on 85. percent
of this acreage by the end of September, The stallkdestruction program is also
being carried out in the Coastal Bend area of Texas, which includes the counties of
Brooks, Jim Wells, Kleberg, and Nueces. It will »e recalled that a light infesta.
tion was found in these counties for the first time in the 1938 crop. Rains have
interfered with the work, but »y the end of the month from 60 to 85 percent of the
acreage nal been completed, Work is much further advanced than these figures would
indicate, as the 85 percent apvlies te the county containing the largest acreage
and the 60 percent to one of the covnties containing the sinallest. ae LS

_ Field clean-up.--Mention was made in a previous letter that a special control
prozran, consisting of field clean-up, delayed planting, and other practices, would a

be resumed in the Biz Bend area of Texas this season te reduce the heavy infesta-
tion and thus lessen the danger of spread of the pink bollworm'to other areas.

elas

Cotton growers are behind the prozram ond have made an effort to pick the cotton
as rapidly as possible so that fields could be vleaned early. Showers caused tho
cotton to open rather slowly and there have been two floods which have handicapped
picking and field cleaning considerably. The floods, however, have killed a con.
siderable number of cotton plants, especially where the stalks had been cut and
stub plants wore coming out. Indicntions sre that many worms were also killed,
as 2 linited number of flneded bolls have been inspected and all specimens found
were Gead. As soon as the fields dry sufficiently there will be a cons iderable
acreage ready for cleaning. By the end.of the month stalks had been cut on some=
thine over 1,000 acres. The stalks are piled as they are cut and then burned as
soon as they dry sufficiently, which usually requires 5 or 6 dayse

Vehicular inspection.—The road-inspection station near Falfurrias, Tex.,
was operated throughout the month with shout the sane nunber of cars inspected
as during .the previous month; however, there was a considerable decrease in the
number of confiscations made, At the end of September the station was turned
over to the Division of Mexican Fruitfly Control, but durins the next fev months
an inspector will be at the station to represent this. Division, as there will be
some movenent of cotton products from the lower Rio Grande Valley. The road
inspection station at warfa, Tex., to prevent the movement of products from the
Big Bend area, was opened on Septenber 1, Nearly 200 pickers were inspected,
with very little contraband material being found. Many pickers leave the Big
Bend ench fall for other areas, but as the station has deen operated for a number
of years they ore familiar with requirements and see that all their effects are
cleaned before leaving hone.

Inspections—It is alnost impossible to obtain suitable trash from sea.
island cotton for inspection with a. machine; consequently, field inspection has
been carried on in the seaeisland plantings of northern Florida and southern.
Georgia. Sone S7 nandays have been devoted to this activity with negative results
Gin-trash inspection has been carried on over a larze area and under excellent
conditions throughcut September. Inspections were carried on in Alabama, Georgia,
Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona. A total of 33,769 bushels of
trash was inspected in the above States with negative recults. <All of the in.
spections were outside regulated arenas except in Arizona, where some 2,200 bushels
of trash were inspected. This was in the Coolidze.Casa Grande section, where an
extremely light infestation was fouwd last season. In the El Paso Valley of Texas
a small amount of trash was cxanined by, rezulntory inspectors. In 35 bushels of
trash inspected, 2,316 specimens of tho pink bollvorn were found. Most of these
specimens originated in the southeastern part of Hudspeth County, which is
designated as heavily infested. For the past several years a considerable percent.
age of the worms found in the heavily infested part of Hudspeth County have been
dead. It had been thought that the nortality is probably due to some disease, and
a number of efforts have been made to deternine this point, but without success.

It is of interest to note that this season the percentage of dead worms is much
lower than for the last few yenrs. hts

Thurheria_plant eradication.——The eradication of Thurberia plants in southen
Arizona has gone forrard satisfactorily. throughout September. Work is still being
carried on from a camp in the Santa Cataline Mountains. During the month 4,640
acres were covered and 30,774 Thurberia plants were located and destroyed,

é

AS nk

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS.

L. B. Reed transferred to Washington.-L. B. Reed, associate entomologist,

was transferred on October 1 from thé Sanford, Fla., laboratory of this Division
to the Washineton, D. C. office, to assist in the research work, with particular
reference to the statistical phases of experimental plot technique, sampling
metheds, and analyses of data; also to aid in the review and preparation of
nanuscripts, reports, programs of work, and miscellaneous experinental data. In

“eonnection with this work, it is planned to have Mr. Reed visit the various field
laboratories of the Division from tine te tine for the purpose of consulting the
field personnel and tc becone intimately faniliar with the details of cach of the
work projects as a result of direct observation and. contact.

Tomato psyllid injures potatocs.--M. F, Bowen, of the Modesto, Calif.,

laboratory, made an‘ investigation during the period August 5-27 of the outbreak

of Paratrioza cockerelli (Sulc.) on potatovs in western Nebraska, eastern Wyoming,
ana northeastern Colorado. Tho results demonstrated that the 1938 outbreak of
this pest was the most severe ever experienced in Nebraska. Psyllid yellows, a
disease caused by the feeding of the imaature forms of P. cockerelli, caused a
reduction in the yield of potatoes estimated at approximately §0 percent of the
farm value of the early crop and approximately 10 to 15 percent of the value of the
late crop in the districts examined. In previous yenrs important outbreaks of P.
cockerelli have heen apparently confined to the western part of the State, but dur.
ing 1938 serious damage by this pest was recorded as far east as the Missouri River
anil probably extending into western Iowa, Efforts to control the psyllid with a
1.40 lime-sulphur spray gave highly variable results, owing, apparently, to varia~
tions in the time and manner of appliention. When the sprays were applied proper
ly, satisfactory control was obtained of the psyllid and the accompanying yellows
injury, particularly when power sprayers capable of maintaining a pressure ranging
from 300 to 400 pounds were used, These high pressures produced a fine division
of the spray and facilitated a complete covernge of the plant, which is essential
for best ‘results. The rate of application ranged fron 75 to 125 gallons per acre,
depending on the size of the plants. Two or three applications were necessary.

The first applic»tion should be made when the plants ore from 6 to 8 inches high
or, preferably, shortly before the ndult psyllids appear in the field. The second
application’ should be made about 2 weeks after the first and followed, when nec—
essary, by a third application fron 10 days to 2 weeks Inter, Results of experi.
nental spraying with the lime-sulphur in Colornade, in the presence: of the psyllid,
indicated that the;otnato yields may be increased as much as 200 percent by proper
spraying. Varietal differences in response to psyllic yellows on potatoes have
“been observed but no varieties of this crop have been found which show a promising
degreeof immunity or resistance to the disease.

: Field toxicity tests with o: u
tobacco.~~W, A, Shands and J. U. Gilmore, of the Oxford, N. C., laboratory, and
Norman Allen of the Fjorence, S. C., laborstory, report that tests camdueted dur-
ing Auzust to determine the effectiveness of dust mixtures and sprays contai ning
synthetic cryolite and of dust mixtures containing paris green against Protoparce
sexta (Johan.) and P. guinquemaculata (Haw.) infesting tobacco, demonstrated that
high percentages of the hornworms were killed within a short period after the
insecticides were applied when tobacco suckers infested with these hornworms were

Salen =

treated at the rate of 10 or more pounds per acre of a synthetic cryolite dust
mixture containing 80 percent sodium aluminun fluoride, or at the rate of about
50 gallons per acre of a spray made up of 4 to’6 pounds of synthetic cryolite
containing 85 percent sodium aluminum fluoride. Percentages of dead larvae ranze
from 87.8 to 94,4 when the cryolite duct mixture was used and from 69.3 to 97.4
when a cryolite spray was used. Paris green and ‘clay 1-6, when dusted on the
tobacco suckers at rates of &.3 and 13.4 pounds per acre, produced hornworn
mortality of 80.4 and 94.9 percent, respectively. Judging from the data obtained
in these tests, it appears that cryolite may equal, if not surpass, paris green as
a hornworm insecticide when applied at the proper strength, In addition to
achieving a satisfactory mortality of the hornworms, cryolite does not have some
of the objectionable qualities of paris green, such as causing injury to the
plants and possible injury to the operator. —

Status of pea weevil as a pest in Hastern pea-growing Stotes,——Inquiries
addressed recently by this Division to entomologists in New Jersey, New York,
Indiana, Illineis, Michizan, and Wisconsin, respecting the status of Bruchus
Pisorum (L.) as a pest in those States, have elicited the information that in New
Jersoy, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin the insect is ordinarily present in very
limited numbers and cannot be considered an important pest. In New York and in
Michigan, however, the State authorities state that, although the pea weevil is not
now abundant, serious damage has been caused by this pest in their States during
past years when peas were grown on.a commercial scale by the dried pea industry
for use as seed or feed. ;

Pobacco moth as a pest in srowers! pack houses.—~-Durins the latter part of
August reports were received that Ephestia elutella (Hbn.) was causing injury to
tobacco on the sticks in growers! pack houses in North Carolina, Surveys made in
North Carolina and in adjacent Virginia during the second week of September by
staff members of Oxford, N. C., and Richmond, Va., laboratories disclosed that
this moth was present but causing little damaze in the growers! pack houses in
Chatham, Wilson, Lenoir, Johnston, Wake, Granville, Person, Orange, and Guilford
Counties, N.C. Heavy infestations were found in Durham, Rockingham, Forsyth, and
Caswell Counties,N,C.,and Pittsylvania County, Va. No evidence of the presence
of E. glutella adults were found in the pack houses examined in South Carolina by
Norman Allen of the Florence, §. C., laboratory. While the tobacco moth is not a
new pest of stored tobacco in this country or in southern Europe, this is the
first time the pest has been kmom to cause any noticeable damaze in farmers!
pack houses, The survey did not brinz out definitely all of the factors that
might have a bearing on this unusual infestation by the tobacco moth in pack
houses, However, the evidence at hand leads to the belief that the early growing
season in 1935 resulted in the early curing of tobacco in the infested area, givin
the moths an opportunity to develop in the early curings. These first curings
were placed in the pack houses during the first week in July, approximately 1
month earlier than heretofore. A period of over a month, fron early in July to
late in August, would give the moths an opportunity to lay their ezzs and the re.
sulting larvae to develop to full-zrom size. This is based on the fact that unde
tobnacco-sterazeshouse conditions it requires fron U5 to 50 days for the moth to
conplete . life cycle fron ess to adult, The findinz of the worms in the first
curings of to acce adds weizht to the theory thot thé unusually carly curine of th
erop was responsinile for the development of the insect in the growers! pack houses,

However, evidence is not yet at hand to state conclusively the original source of
these farm infestations, that is, whether they were present on the farm in scrap
tobacco or in tobacco held over from previous years, or whether the moths had
mizrated from infested storage houses to the farm. Apparently both of these sources
of infestation may be involved, Investigations are now under way to determine the
best methods of combating the tobacco moth in the pack house,

FOREIGN PARAS ITE INTRODUCTION .

a

Spruce sawfly in northern Burope.~~During the past season W. F. Sellers has
made an extended survey of this pest and its natural’ enemies in northern Europe,
particularly in Sweden and Finland. »It was found to octur generally up to the
northern limit of spruce growth. Sample collections showed about 40-percent
parasitization, about two-thirds of which was by Tachinidae. This is of particular
importance because it is quite rare in the collections made in past years in
Czechoslovakia and adjoining countries, bxtended collections of cocoons are being
made in areas mentioned by representatives of the:Canadian Department of Agriculture.)

Study of white.fringed beetle in South America.~.P. A. Berry, formerly of |
the forest-insects laboratory at New Haven, Conn., arrived in, Argentina in September|

to undertake a study of the beetle and its natural enemies. Data obtained through
various governnent agencies indicate that it is common, though not present in
destructive numbers, over large parts of Argentina and Uruguay, —

Corn borer parasites.shipped from Italy,—-In August H. D. Smith collected
and shipped 8,322 adults of Phaeozgenes nigridens Wesm. and 5,720 parasitized hest
pupae containing the same species. The two shipments reached the Moorestown, N.J.,
receiving station with a survival of 94.4 percent of the adults.

INSECTS. AFFECTING MAN AND ANIMALS
udy of salt—marsh mosquitoes.—A sublaboratory of the
Orlar’ -Fla., laboratory of this.Division has been established at New Smyrna, Fla,
fe< rpose of making more detailed studies on’ the biology, habits, and methods
.o/ of salt-marsh mosquitoess. B. V. Travis, formerly engaged on-the study
wo ants at Tallahassee, Fla., has been placed.in charge of the new lahoratory.
ork on fire ants has been discontinued.

Saltemarsh mosquito control by C, Ce C. canps discontinucd.——On September 30
the Civilian Conservation Corps discontinued the work of its camps engazed in the

control of salt-marsh mosquitoes in Delaware and New Jersey, This brought to a
close over 2 years of cooperation between the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quar.
antine,- the Bureau of Biological Survey, and the C. C. C. on studies that dealt in
part with the relationship of mosquito control and wildlife conservation. G, H.
Bradley, who was in charge of this Bureau's part of the work, has returned to his
former research work on mosquitoes at Orlando, Fla,

Fractions of synthetic citronella, oil appear to be more repellent to

nesquitoes than whole oil.—fFrom preliminary tests by W. V. King, of the Orlando, {
Fla., laboratory, with various fractions of synthetic citronella oil, it is indicated
that crude sesqui terpenes and crude geraniol are more repellent to mosquitoes than |,
synthetic Ceylon type citronella oil and citronellal when these materials are applied),
to the bare skin to prevent mosquitoes from biting. |

ay ak

’ ficient as mosquito larvicide,.—@. V. King, of the
Pyrethrun residue not efficien it with a pyrethrun

j ‘te sninst Culex larvae
Orlando, Fla., laboratory, reports that tests agains le
Breet onéained fron extracted pyrethrum flowers and containing from 0.1 +: ees
percent pyrethrins indicate that this material is considerably less toxic 9) 1%
larvae than are pyrethrum dusts containing an equivalent concentration of pyrethrins.

Gnats breed in enormous numbers in Clear Lake,~-At Clear Lake, oe q.
Lindquist estimates that at the peak of the gnat breeding season from Ls to 50
billion adults of Chaoborus spp. omerge daily fron the lake. This estinate was
arrived at by an analysis of the nunbers of gnats recovered in floating traps placed
at various points on the lake. The peak of emergency occurred from August 27 to
September 3. Samples of the lake hottom ootained by dredging showed from 200 to

g24 larvae per square foot.

FORSIGN PLANT QUARANTINES

Mexican fruitflies for Africa.--In checking through the air express at- the
Browmsville airport a snall cheesecloth-covered sack, appnrently filled with bean
pods and.addressed to Tanganyika, was found. The package was not in bond and it:
‘was decided to check its contents. Thirty-six larvae of Anastrepha distincta Greene,
1 coleopterous larva, 3 hymenopterous adults, and 2 zelechiid larvae were found in
11 Inza pods from Tapachula, State of Chiapas, Mexico. Thus this country vas pro-
tected.against the possible escape of these potential pests and the day when Eas t
Africa might have an opportunity to accept A, distincta as an inmigrant was indef-
initely postponed. Ss j

Citrus canker notes.—The California Citrozraph (vol. 23: 527 October 1938)
gives the Citrus Orchardist of New Zealand as authority for the statement that some
citrus trees in New Zealand had developed citrus canker and were cut back, Plant.
ings of citrus in New Zealand are said to total only 2,500 acres, but an effcrt is
being made to develop the industry. Being satisfied that the eradication campaign
has succeeded in eliminating citrus canker fron the Union of South Africa, the
Governor-General issued a proclamation dated April 5, 1938, removing all restrictions
on the removal and planting of citrus trees in the Union. No citrus canker has been
found there since 1927. According to data accompanying a memorandum dated September
2 from the Bureau of Plant Industry, judging by tests to date, Bacterium citri may
lattack any plant of the subtribe Citrinae and also attacks Swinglea glutinosa, a
Plant doubtfully assigned to the subtribe Balsanocitrinae,

Entomological interceptions of interest,--Thirteen larvae and 1 pupa of the
ifruitfly Anastrepha grandis (Macq.) were intercepted at New Orleans on March 29 in
& pumpkin in ship's stores from Brazil. Two living larvae of the Mediterranean
fruitfly (Ceratitis capitata Wied.) were intercepted at Sumay, Guam, on February

fel in bell pepper in ship's stores on board the China Clipper from Hawaii. ‘Two
living larvae of the gypsy moth (Porthetria dispar L.) wore taken nt Seattle, Wash.,
ton June 7 on foliage of dwarf junipor in ship's quarters from Japan. Fifty-five
llivinz specinens of the gladiolus thrips (Taeniothrips simplex Morison) were collect-
ed on April 6 on z2ladiolus plants in the field at Rio Piedras, P.°R. A living larva
tof the pink dollworm (Pectinophora zossypiella Saund,) arrived at Boston on May 9
lin a cottonseed in a boll in baggaze from Grenada, British West Indies. Two living
adults of the cerambycid Xylotreéhus rusticus (L.) were found at Norfolk, Va., on
May 28 under the bark of walnut logs in cargo from France, W, S. Fisher reports
this long-horned beetle to be a European species, A living larva of the elaterid

Athous' subfuscus Muller arrived at Washington, D. C., on June 16 in soil accompany.

"nz violet plants in the mail from-Ireland, Living specimens of the senle insect
" Aonidiella inornata McKenzie were intercepted at San Francisco on April 28 on betel ||
pepper (Piper betle) in cargo from Hawaiie Sixteen living larvae of the weevil _
Baris laticollis Marsh. arrived 2t Philadelphia on April 22 in turnips in ship's
stores from Portugal. A living specimen of the lygaeid Sisamnes contractus Dist.
‘was taken at Brownsville, Tex., on June 10 on a pineapple in cargo from Mexico.

Forty-five living larvae of the weevil Baris lepidii Germ, were intercepted at New i
York on July 5 in horseradish roots in Ship's stores from the Union of Soviet oh
Socialist Republics.

Pathological interceptions of interest.~-Anguillulina filiformis (Butsch1i) ,

Goodey was intercepted in the roots of an Araucaria excelsa cutting in baggage from
Germany June 3 at Now York. The only previous interception of this nema was in
horseradish from Germany in 1930. Aphelenchoides sp., probavly new, was found in
ginger rhizomes on September 7 at San Francisco in mail from Peru. Diaporthe
phaseolorum (Cke. & Ell.) Sacc. was intercepted from Italy for the firs; time on
Auzust 30 at Galveston in string beans. An orchid plant in baggage from Guatemala
intercepted at the Brownsville airport on September 24 was infected with Hendersonia
sp., Postalozzia sp., and Phyllosticta sp, There was so little material that spe.
cific determinations were not possible. Heterodera marion’ (Cornu) Goodey was inter
cepted at San Francisco on.s ome hosts new to our interception files, including
Astrophytun myriostigma var, potosina on September 7, A, tamanlipense, A, tetrazona,
and Echeveria agavéides on Auzust 26, BE. agavoides and E, potosina on September 7,
and E. secunda on August 26, all from Mexico, Marssonina juglandig Sacc. was inter=
cepted on August 12 at New York on a Juglang regia leaf from Yugoslavia. Phoma sp.
was intercepted on September 21 at Boston on a snowdrep dulb from Holland, A
Similar interception was made last year at Norfolk. We do not find any species
- of Phoma listed in the readily available lists as occurring on Galanthus, and we
-have not received sufficient material for study. Puccinia SPe TI, probably Ee
-Niolae (Schun.) IC, was intercepted at Boston-on August 2! on Viola canina leaves

in mail from Sweden, Garlic from Syria intercepted at Norfolk on September 24 bore
tiny white sclerotia surrounded by-violet mycelium. pe lewage s

ae Correction..-The interception of Ramularia cynarae ‘credited to Philadelphia
in the September News Letter p. 25 should be credited to Boston. The interception |
was. made by. Mr. Ehinger and long association of his name with Philadelphia was

evidently responsible for the error,

DOMESTIC PLANT. QUARANTINES - ieee spe easteometen = :

'Grasshopper..control conference....Felleral and State workers: on the gzrasshopper.
control project will meet at Omaha on November 21 and 22, to discuss the outcome of
the grasshopperpopulation survey now being carried on in the various infested States
and to formulate plans for the work of the coming year in the event that funds are

made available for that purpose.

Crops protected from Mormon crickets.s—Loss of agricultural crops from in.
festations of Mormon crickets has been almost entirely prevented -this year in areas
in which Federal.State control operations were carried on and the cricket population
has been markedly reduced in such areas, Especially satisfactory results were ob
tained in Moffat County,- Colo., where cricket control has been an annual problem for
the last 16 years, Similar results were obtained in two Utah counties, Comment ing

iis 2 ae

on the use of metal strips, trench barriers, and oil on canals and creeks, to supple
ment the dusting operations, Claude Wakeland, field project leader, states that
“literally hundreds of tons of Mormon crickets have this year been destroyed by
barrier traps and oil." Increased infestntions were reported, however, fron limited
areas in Oregon, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. Control facilitiocs have been made avail.
able to infested counties in propertion to their needs and their cooperation in the
forn of funds or labor. Thirty-six Federal supervisors were employed during the
season and 950 Federally paid laborers at the height of activities. Volunteer
laborers also contributed assistance to the project.

Mormon é¢rickets hatching. From Nevada report came early in September that
Mormon crickets have been hatching on the east side of Calico Mountain and.on the

Owyhee Tesert, in Humboldt County,

Rodents store Mormon cricket ezes.—The Utah State supervisor of Mornon
Cricket control found that the burrows of mice and of kangaroo rats contained
stored egzs of the crickets. Fourteen mice and two kansaroo rats were cauzht feed.
in= on such eggs.

Formuln for Mormon cricket poison checked...Upon receiving complaints from
a Wyoming rancher that the mixture of 3 parts of diatomaceous earth to 1 part sodium

arsenite as a Mormon cricket poison was not giving a satisfactory kill, the assist-—
ant field project leader. made check tests at Sheridan, Wyo., with the result that
the 3 to 1 mixture gave a satisfactory kill, although the more expensive 2 to 1
mixture killed crickets more promptly. The poor results obtained at the Wyoning
ranch from which complaint came were found to be due to the fact that dusting had
been done an rainy days.

White-fringed beetle inspection and control.--Recent activities include the

inspection of highways and railroads leading out of known infested areas, of the
outside barrier ditch around the Florala area, of 20 infested blocks at Goulding,
near Pensacola, Fla., where but 4 beetles were found, and the inspection of New
Orleans and outlying districts including the town of Diamond, 40 miles south, where
an infestation was found. Inspection was also made of the entire 41 nurseries in
Harrisen County, Miss., 18 of which are in the quarantined area. Many of these
nurseries have heen inspected from five to seven times. <A minor infestation was
confirmed in September on a 6.acre tract in the vicinity of rice fields in Jefferson
Davis Parish, La, The most westerly known infestation is now separated by only one
county from Texas and the most easterly by only one county from Georgia. Control
operations have consisted of dusting infested cotton fields at Florala, spraying
around gins, warehouses, and school yards in the above area, on properties recently
found infested at Laurel, Miss., and on heavily infested areas at Gulfport, Mise.
The clem-up activities in Alahama ond Florida are carried on with State-sponsored

-» P, A. Indor. One of the most complete jobs of weed killin= and oil spraying

that has been done on the project was that recently accomplished at Mobile, Ala.

The infestation in this area, locnted in the railroad yards and vicinity, is lizht
and the intense spraying, together with brush cleaning with a corps of 2007. Bh.
aborers, Has placed a wide protective zone around this infestation. Several nursery

eee hnve covered the Mobile nurseries twice ~ithout finding any white.fringed
eetles.

;

mules
: ‘

Sveetpotato weevil infestations reduced.~-Substantial progress is being made

in sweetpotato weevil ccntrol, as indiented by a comparison of conditions of the
current season with those of 1937, when the project was initiated on a Federal—State
basis. <A reduction of weevil infestations has been effected in areas worked in
Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. A 75-percent reduction is .
indicated in areas in Mississippi, and a 63-percent reduction in an Alabama district,
In a recent intensive survey of seven Texas counties formerly infested, only two
‘infestations were found. Inspections in 10 Georgia counties in: September resulted
in findinz no new infestations. Scouting has been recently extended with the —
asSistance of State inspectors’to additional counties in the infested States. In
September inspections were made in 23 counties of 4 infested States, 14 Federal

and 14 State inspectors participating, As a result of public hearings by Commis—
sioners* Courts of two Texas counties found to be -infested in the current season,

a request was made to have the counties brought within the regulated area and the
project leader has accordingly extended the eradication work to include these
counties, Another Mississippi county has‘also been added to the eradication area,
State agencies have displayed specimens of weevil injury at local fairs in the
respective counties where eradication work is under way.

Phony peach disease reduced..-Six States in which the phony peach disease
has occurred in previous seasons yielded no cases of such infection in the current
field season. These States are Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma,
and Pennsylvania. Neither was phony peach disease found in the l.mile radius of
nurseries in Missouri, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Findings of phony trees
in Missouri were reduced from 219 in 1936 to 2 in 19383 in North Carolina from 161
to 14; in South Carolina from 479 to 43: and in the commercial Nashville-Highland
area of southwestern Arkansas, from 90 to 19. Reductions were effected in practi.
cally all other Arkansns counties except one, It is felt that one of the objectives |
of the last 3 years, that of controllin= the phony peach disease in the outer rim of
the infected region, with special reference to nursery districts and lightly in.
fected States, is being accomplished, The States have contributed largely in funds,
services, and regulatory action, Results of inspection in the more generally in..
fected States are not yet availnble.

.%

Peach mosaic inspections.-~Inspection for the peach mosaic disease jointly
with affected States, was completed or approaching completion in the various in~
fected States by October 1. .From growers of large orchards in Arizona and California
an increased number of requests have come for inspection of their peach orchards

and removal of disensed trees. Recent work in Texas has been dévoted to nursery
stock and bud-woad sources, the inspectors finding that a number of additional
nurseries in that State are crowing quantities of peach stock, Nursery inspection
was also conducted in two Utah cowmties, <A third survey for 1938 of orchards and
reinspect ion of nursery stock in Mesa County, Colo., revealed 29 mosaic trees, as
compared with 116 in the third survey in 1937. Diseased and abandoned treeg are De.
ang Temoved in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, with the aid of
funds frm Federal relief appropriations, and in Texas by State-paid labor.

’ Zransit-inspection activities..—No live beetles were found in the September ~

inspection of cars.of produce arriving at Midwest points from the Japanese beetle
area, With the seasonal lifting of Japenese beetle restrictions on fruit and
vegetable shipments on September 19, inspection of such shipments at Midwest points
was suspended and attention was turned to the Seasonal shipment of nursery stock,

ees

According to obsarvations of the, inspector as to shipments seen at St. Paul, Iowa
}leads in shipnent of perennials and Pennsylvania of bulbs. Fron inspectors in
\Chicngo,. $4. Louis, Atlanta, and Philadelphia, came reports of the interception dur.
hin the’ sunnor of a total of 33 shipments of uncertified gladioli fron a single
‘shipper -in the Japanese bectle area in New York State, and New York inspectors re.
‘port the interception of a like number of shipments of perennial roots fron a Long
Island point. Packages of the home type, such as cut flowers and farm produco,
constitute a source of concern in the inspection work of the late sumner, Two
‘inspectors fron Bernuda visited the inspection stations -at New York and Philadelphia
‘in Au-ust. An Illinois State inspector is assisting in the work at Chicago. A
jnew, modern building has just been completed for the Railway Mail Service terminal
)at Council Bluffs. : Aaa bit

Good method effected in killing cit seedlings,-~One of the problems in
‘citrus canker eradication is the recurrence of the disease through thé growth of
citrus seed in localities fron which all visible citrus plants have been eradicated.
Sterilizing the cround with the use of a pear burner after such tree renoval, a
method which has been employed since the enrly part of the yenr, is giving satisfac-
tory rosults. On a recent third working of old infected areas by this method, no
j}citrus seedlinzs could be found. : ;

Citrus canker inspection and eradication,--Inspection was conducted in five

/Texas counties in Ausust and six in September, with the inspection force increased
|to five State and five Bureau men. Orenge and grapefruit groves and dooryard treeg
}in-farn areas were inspected, as well as previously worked properties. Canker was
/found on small Citrus trifoliata trees on to properties in the vicinity of Alvin.
}On one of the preperties not previously found infected, the disease was found on
-stunps of little trees in a pasture that had been cut each year with a mowing
jmachine, The plan of inspecting all pastures and prairies with crews of la»vorers
is beinz continued with splendid success. Most of these men have btoen on the proj.
)ect for some time and have developed o keen eye for small trees in weeds and zrass.

. ‘Gypsy moth quarantine revised..-The gypsy noth and brown-tail moth quarantine
and reculations ré revised effective September 29, the principal chanze consisting
of the release of certain reas from regulation and change in designation of certain
other arers from that of lightly infested to gencrally infested, Soran oan” ,

CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

Compiled insecticide report issued..~This Division has issued in mineozraph

forn a report compiled by E, R. McGovran, af.-the Beltsville, Md, laberatory, cover.
ing some of the insecticide tests made by E. H. Siezlor, J. P. Vinzant, u. F, Howard,
R, A, Fulton, Roy EZ. Campbell, L. B. Scott, M. C. Swingle, J. B. Gahn; A, M.
Phillips, ¥. N. Sullivan, and GL. Phillips. The report brings together the data
fron tésts on various insects, and in some instances also from plant—in jury tests,
of new materials that have been tested by workers in the Division of Control Inves~
tigations or reported to this Division by other divisions.:.in.the-Buroau, Report No.
i covers. the last..quarter in 1937. All résults on a single material ‘that are on
file in this Division are srouped together. Results of plant-injury tests are in.
‘eluded, alonz with insect tests where this informtion is on hand. The materials
‘are divided into three groups, The first group zives results with vell-lkmorn
‘insecticides which may be used'ns a basis for 6valuating results obtained with new

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Materinls applied to the same test insects, In the second group are the new materials

SU26&

that have been tested on both insects and plants, and in the third group new
naterials that had been tested only on insects. Within each group, for the con-
venience of those who are primarily interested in the most toxic materials tested,
the materials are arranged in the order of descending toxicity, that is, the
mniterials that caused the highest mortalities of the test insects are placed first,
The report covers 47 mimeographed pages and data on 87 materials are given. Five
hundred tests on toxicity to insects and &2 tests on plants to determine whether
srcowing plants would tolerate being sprayed with some of the materials that appeared
toxic to insects are included. Twelve species of insects and three species of plants
had been used in the tests.

The scuthern arnyworm a_ typical lepidopteran.-.The question as to how typical
a lepidopteran is Prodenia eridania Cram. has been answered in part by P. A. Woke,
Beltsville, who has investizated the histolozy of the alimentary canal of the mature
larva, in conjunction with a study of the effects of insecticides on the gut
epithelium. The intestinal canal is a straight tube, separable into the usual
primary divisions of fore., mid~, and hind-suts, An unusual structure is found in
the pharynx, The mid-gut epithelium is columnar and appears to consist of two chief
cell tvpes, the typical columnar cell and the go»vlet or calyciform cell, with tran.
sitional forms between these. The histology of this larval alimentary tract, there-
fore, is typically lepidopteran.

INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS

New adhesive for insecticides patented.—-One cf the drawdacks to derris,
phenothiazine, and other insecticides is a lack of adhesiveness. As a result, when

they are sprayed or dusted on plant foliage, they do not remain on the folinge as
does lead arsenate but are easily washed off by even a light rain. In order to
overcome this disadvantage L. D. Goodhue, of the Division of Insecticide Investiza.
tions, studied a number of materials with especial reference’ to their use as stickers
for derris. One of the best materials is a rogin residue, a substance which re
mains in the fractionating column after the removal of solvent and pine oil in the
steam and solvent process for the production of naval stores from pine wood. U. S.
patent 2,129,517, which covers this product, was granted to Mr. Goodhue on September

6, 1938.

Patents on rotenone..-Abstracts of foreign and domestic pnrtents relating to
derris, lonchocarpus, tephrosia, and rotenone have been compiled by R. C. Roark and
published as mimeozraphed publication E446, Eleven countries have issued 110
patents relating to rotenone products.

Preparation of amyl salicylates...The salicylates of the eight amyl alcohols
are of entomolozical interest because certain of them are attractive to the tobacco
hornworm moth. A chemical study of three of these salicylates is reported by A. F,
Freeman and H. L. Haller in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (vol, 60,
NOe 9,¢Pe 227.2275. September 1938).

Renoval of nicotine—hentonite spray residues from apples at harvest. pwWack Be

Fahey and H, W, Rusk, of this Nivision, and L. F. Steiner and R, 7. Sazama, of the
Division of Fruit Insect Investizations, have recently reported that nicotine
bentonite spray residues on apples may be easily removed by either hydrochloric acid
or sodium silicate (Hoosier Hort., vol. 20, now 9, pp. 138-141. September 1933).
The alkaline wash is more effective.

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BEE CULTURE

Green acorns produce extra-floral nectar gathered by beega-—-C. EH. Burnside

reports that during August honeybees in large numbers worked actively at green
acorns of jack or »arren oak (Quercus marilandica) near the Bureau's experimental
apiary at Beltsville, Md. Bees were observed searching the cups and reaching beneat)
the cup scales or between the cups and acorns with their tongues, as if sucking up
nectar. On examinntion of the green acorns small droplets of a liquid with a
sweetish taste were found beneath the cup scales and on the inside surface of the
cups As no insects that would account for a secretion of this nature were seen on
the acorns, the droplets probably were extra-floral nectar.

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS

Rearing of two supposedly rare Curcylionidae.—Two species of the curculionid

genus Barinus, namely, B. squamolineatus Casey and B. curticollis Casey, have been
reared in the Division by ¥%. H. Anderson from larvae occurring in the lower parts
of stems of the sedge Cyperus strigosus taken in the immediate vicinity of
Washington, D. C. The adults represent the only individuals of these species in
the National Museum collections from this area, while larvae of neither species
were previously known.

Tobacco flea beetle,~.A copious and vellepreserved alcoholic sample supposed
to be Epitrix parvula (EL, and studied by H. S. Barber, raises questions of
identity and varintion, suggesting that cur knowledge of this pest is* not so conplet:
as it should be. The sample, which consisted of several lots from diverse
solanaceous host plants in and near Quincy, Fla., collected by F. S. Chamberlin,
of the Division of Truck Crop and Garden Insect Investigations, seems to consist
of two forms, one of which is indigenous, while the other seems identical with a
West Indian species. The slight differences in markinzs, sculpture, and shape
appeared to be variational but, in those dissected, seen correlated with differences
in male genitalia which indicate syecific distinctness. This suggests that a
tropical species has been introduced and may be spreading unnoticed in the Southern
States aong the common form of tobacco flea beetle. Still another pale yellow
relative of this species is known to live upon the "potato tree‘ (Solanum
verbascifolium), a common roadside shruo of southern Florida, but of this nothing
seens to be know except a fev individual specimens in collections. Several other
species of Epitrix native to wild solanaceous plants have becone pests and a better
knowledge of the species living on Physalis, Datura, and native Solanum, or wild
tobacco, in the South and Southwest should be assemled through observations and
alcoholic samples, It is hoped that such preserved material, accompanied by full
observation data, may be submitted to the Division of Insect Identification by .
entomologists of the Bureau who mre stationed in the field,

Ants injuring coffee in Costa Rica...Specimens of ants rere recently received

from R. Mangel Nanne, of the Costa Rica Department of Agriculture, with the report
that the species was causing very serious injury to coffee trees by burrowing in

the twigs. They were identified by M. R. Smith as Myrmelachista (Decamera) zeledoni
Emery, a species closely related to Me (D.) remulorum Wheeler, kmown commonly as the
"hormiguilla," which causes similar injury to coffee in Puerto Rico.

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G UNITZD STATES i DECS 1988

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE —

BUREAU OF
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
NEWS LETTER

VOLUME VY

UNITED. STATES ‘DEPARTMENT ‘OF AGRICULTURE

BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE
“NEWS LEVIER

; FOR OCTOBER 1938

CS iran Ba os ers ca aad aed a arate croc me aaa te areal aa reales ~~ Tega beaten ea)

FRUIT INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Insects in relation to peach mosaic.--L. D. Christenson reports that
during the quarter ended September 30, the mobile laboratory operating out
of San Bernardino, Calif., on the survey of the insects in peach orchards
covered 3,325 miles, making 95 insect collections at 3/7 sampling stations
in the States of Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, Washington,
and Oregon. During the 3-month period a total of 4275 accessions were
added to the survey records of the insects found on foliage, in the soil,
and on the cover in peach orchards, At the fixed laboratory at Brownwood,
Tex., for studies on the insect transmission of the peach mosaic disease,
in cooperation with the Bureau of Plant Industry, 84 transmission tests
were completed involving § suspects and 4,443 individual insects. Fifty-
four transmission tests, involving 17 suspects, were completed at the
Mareno field plots near the San Bernardino laboratory, in cooperation with
the Division of Domestic Plant Quarantines, the Bureau of Plant Industry,
and the California Citrus Experiment Station. Shovld any of the trans-
mission tests be positive it is not expected thet symptoms will appear be-
fore next spring. ;

Flight habits of hairy fungus beetle.-~Iyphrea stercorea (L.) has
been found in moderate numbers in stored raisins, both on ranches and in

commercial storage. During May 193% the catches of this species taken in

a rotary net, as recorded by Dwight F. Barnes and George H. Kaloostian, of
the Fresno, Calif., laboratory, averaged 476 per day. The net was operated
in a raisin storage yard in Fresno. The record of flight, as indicated by
removal of catches at 15-minute intervals during the nicht of May 13-14,

is given in part in the following tabulation, which agroes with subsequent
shorteinterval work when smaller numbers were taken. The insect is on the
wing most abundantly at dusk, although a few may be taken’ throughout the
night.

Time p.m, : Temperature : Relative ; Light : Beetles
i 8 cncae ees ltl mame tyr hee, pillnieee Ja) (akon We

PT Sil cossce: *Foot candles: Number
Giubess sess AN NG) . an Fe LOO; COM? | Oe
[Ota ; 90, oo Ore sao OO hues a hae
7:15-------- : SRM i OI CUNERE PM as sts (alone anus hs,
gOre- === : &8 : Lo : TOO er RSS
7145-------- 3 87 Sa Ona 0.25 +3 239
BsOOreece oa : 85. : yy 3: @.00;) 2: 152
8315——-----—~ : 85 ; yu : CLOOP th 56
BtsOsaeessas : 85 : yy : ACO ie 6
Selb seo one : &5 : yb : OFOOl is wee,
OC Osean : 85 : Ya : 6.00; mk:

Ino

Method of emulsifying ethylene dichloride,--Oliver I. Snapp reports

that the Fort Valley, Ga., laboratory has developed a simple method of emul-
sifying ethylene dichloride for. control of the peach borer. In making a 50-
percent emulsion by this new method, eight volumes of water are added to one
volume of potash fish-oil soap, after which nine volumes of ethylene dichlo-
ride are added and the constituents emalsified cold by pumping. This not
only gimplifies the method of emulsification of ethylene dichloride but re-
duces the danger of a reversed or broken down emulsion*when the stock mix-
ture is prepared on the farm. A fairly quick breaking type of diluted emul-
sion results from this method of emulsification; therefore ethylene dichloride
emulsion made by the simplified method should be used shortly after it is
prepared, ;

High fall temperatures do not change hibernation trends of codling
moth.--Continued high temperatures in the fall do not influence the pupa-

tion and emergence of codling moths. E. J. Newcomer and M. A> Yothers had
“an opportunity to demonstrate this recently at Yakima, Wash. Regular sum~
mer temperatures prevailed during the poriod September 10~24, but the num-
ber of moths caught in five baits placed in an orchard steadily decreased

during this period, as shown in the following table.

Te) EDEL cil Perv aR Mah: Ove, BURDETT OND LLTHG lena a
(September) : Moths = i——~ ga ea
« Numoer « OF, : ne :

(eed eee <t oon Ge : 84
i ae 2. 286 38" 64 ole 68
eee es pales yaa : 89
13~--~-----~- ye ee ae Be we
ste aul eh aoa. 2 ge ie Gs) CaaS)
Vereen noes LOG) go : 95
WGeceeke eas 2) 5 0 a Ge ; 97
Vee ee SEO ia tee : 96
rem eR po 600 Uae 2 92
Zane
Ein ecan oe lune) avare ec
C4----—---—— T 24. « 65 £ 82

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The reason for this reduction in the number of moths is evident from
the following data, showing a corresponding reduction in the percentage of
transforming larvae.

Date larvae left fruit : Larvae transformed
; H Percent

June 11~-20------------- ; 99.5
June 21~30~~----------- : 99.4
July 1-10-------------- : 95.5
July 11-20------------- - 91.0
July 21-30~------------- 90.2
July 3l-Aucust 9------- : 61.1
August 10-19----------- : Soe.
August 20-29----------- 0.5

—-

Probably very few moths emerged after the end of Ausust, and the hot
weather in September did not influence larvae to pupate that had already pre-
pared themselves for hibernation.

Standard geraniol-eugenol—phenyl cthyl alcohol bait for attracting
Japanese beetlos.--W. HE. Fleming, 3%. D. Burgess, and W, W. Maines, of the
. Japanese beetle laboratory at Moorestow, N. J., have reported on the results
of studies carried on during the summer of 1938 dealing with the effectiveness
of the standard geraniol~eugenol—pheny] ethyl alcohol bait for use in Japa-
nese bectle traps. The season's studies indicated rather clearly that
geraniol is the major, if not the only, beetle attractant in the bait. The
role of the eugenol seems to be primarily to stabilize the attractiveness of
the geraniol, holding the initial attractiveness of the geraniol throughout
the seaon, rather than to increase its attractiveness. While studies carried
on a number of years earlier seemed to indicate that the phenyl ethyl alcohol
increased the attractiveness of the geraniol-eugenol bait, the results of the
past season's work with the grade of geraniol now in common use showed that
the phenyl ethyl alcohol did not increase the attractiveness of the geraniol,
but that on the contrary it tended to interfere somewhat with the stabilizing
action of the eugenol. With the grade of geraniol now used in the traps,
therefore, it appears that phenyl ethyl alcokol need not be used. Of the two
forms of eugenol available on the market, that derived from clove oil and
that derived from cinnamon 011, both types neeting the specifications for
U. S. P. grade, the seasou's results shnwed that the clove eugenol was some-
what superior to cinnamon eugenol in stabilizing geraniol.

Qutbreak of Ochrosidia borealis Arr. (villosa Burn.) at Veirtm, W.Va.——
C. H. Hadley, of the Moorestown laboratory, reports on an outbreak of grubs,
thought to be those of the Japanese beetle, on the grounds of the Willians
Country Club at Veirton, W. Va. An iavestigation of the situation was nade on
October 7. It was found that the infestation was general over the country
club grounds covering approximately 150 acres. Infestation ranged apprexi-
mately from 10 to in some cases as high as approximately 150 zrvbs per sauare
foot. Grub feeding on rocts of the turf was general, and in nany parts of the
grounds severe injury to turf was apparent. So far as could be determined,
the grubs present were all QO. borealis. No Japanese beetle grubs could be
found. At the time of the investigation, most of the erubs were close to the
surface and apparently still feeding. A small proportion of them were found

— le

at depths down to 5 to 6 inches, these apparently having.started to migrate
downward for hibernation. It was stated by club officials that grub in-
jury had been observed during the last several years in increasing degree,
that of the present season being by far the most extensive. For treatment,
an application of acid lead arsenate at the rate of 15 pounds per 1,000
square feet, applied dry with sand as a carrier was suggested. This method
of application appeared to be better adapted to-the conditions obtaining
than the wet application, |

MEXICAN ‘FRUITELY CONTROL

No Mexican fruitfly apparent. ;--For the foe coneediaye month, no
Anastrepha ludens Loew was trapped in the lower. Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
Were it not for the experience of previous years, it might be hoped that the
oncoming heavy crop of citrus fruit would be free from fruitfly injury
throughout the season. HExperience has taught, however, that- while the an-
nual influx of flies may or may not start as Berit as October in every other
season, some flies reach the area before the end of November. Unusually dry
weather, with almost a 5-inch deficiency in rainfall, has naturally delayed
growth and maturity of the citrus crop. Almost 3,000 equivalent carloads,
however, have been moved to market. A few years ago this would have been:80
-percent of the crop, but this season it represents approximately 8 percent.

CEREAL AND Irae INSECT a ae

Resistance | of sweet corn to Buropean corn Navas utr tests conducted
by Morris Schlosberg in 1936 and 1937 at Toledo, 0. Ohio, of a large number of
inbred sweet corn strains the entry M1828, obtained from the Michigan Agri-
cultural Experiment Station, showed a marked inhibition to survival of
-Huropean corn borer larvee, and the entry C2, obtained from the Connecticut
Agricultural Experiment Station, showed approximately average survival of
larvae. The results, however, pertained to specific stages of plant develop-
ment when infestation occurred; therefore in 1938 the strains were similarly
infested, at 22 stages of growth over a wide range of plant development, to
determine whether the resistance trait in the strain M1828 persisted Sone
out its growth period. The resultant larval populations were adjusted for
regression on stage of plant development when infestation occurred, ex~
pressed as the number of davs elapsed from the date of infestation to the
date of silking of the plants. The relative larval populations expected in.
the strains, on a per-plent basis, are showm in the taoulation below for
similar conditions of infestation and plant development, at 5-day intervals.
The data (see tabulation below) show a definite trend of regression of lar-
val survival on stage of plant development when infestation occurred, and
a persistent operation of the resistance trait in M1823 throughout the range
of plant development considered.

ahs

Stage of plant development:Resultant larvae per plant
when infestation occurred,:adjusted for regression on
from infestation to silk- :stage of plant development

ing : swhen infestation occurred
Days - : Number : Number
§n---------------+-------- ‘ 3.00 : 8.36:
10----~--------------------: 2,01 HA 6.37:
15-------------- po-n------- bye. er:
20-------~------+------ on Deo ia geal my ar ia
25-------------- won--------3 42 : 2.16.
B10 Sa ein SS » 36 ; Ib) 9)

Recovery of Buropean corn—borer parasite.--W. G. Bradley, Toledo,

Ohio, records. an interesting recovery record for one of: the imported para-
sites of the corn borer. Sulophus viridulus Thoms.,, an external chalcid |
attacking mature larvae and overwintering in the pupal stage, was taken dur—
ing the current season from borers infesting weeds and corn in Lucas County,
Ohio. While previously recovered at three points in the Lake States region
during the current season of release, this is the first record of its being
on a maintenance basis, no release of this species having been nade in Lucas
County for 7 years.

Release of corn borer parasites.—-C. A. Clark, Moorestown, N. J., re—
ports that over ten thousand adults of Phacozgenes nigridens Wesm., a pupal
parasite of the borer, have been made available for release following impor-—
tations from Italy through the Division of Foreign Parnsite Introduction.
Two releases have been made in New Jersey this fall, in conjunction with
second—zeneration pupation, anc the remaining adults will be held over in
storage for synchronized releases in other sections at time of spring pupa
tion. Additional releases in New Jersey were made with adults of Macrocen—
trus gifuensis Ashm. and Inarcolata punctoria (Ronan) fron material energing
from larval collections in New England, particularly the Taunton district.

Substitutes for bran and sawdust in Grasshopper baits.--J. R. Parker,
of the Bozeman, hiont., laboratory, says that during the spring and sunmer
of 1936 members of the staff of the Bozeman laboratory conducted experinents
in Kay County, Okla., to test bait materials available in Southern Stetes
which night be substituted for either bran or sawdust, the most commonly used
carriers for grasshopper poison in the North. The following combinations
gave results which statistically were not significantly different fron a bait
consisting of three parts bran and oue part sawdust by volune; (1) Citrus
meal one part to sawdust three parts; (2) citrus meal one part to cottonseed
hulls three parts; (3) mill-rm bran one part to cottonseed hulls three parts.
The carrier in each bait was equal in volume to 100 pounds of ary bran.
Liquid sodium arsenite, 2 quarts, was used as the killing azent.

uffect of migrating swarms of Melenoplus moxicanus on local grasshopper
populations.——-s. G. Davis, Bozenan, reports that study areas maintained a
Mandan, Dickinson, and Beach, N. Dak., were invaded by swaris of M. texicanus
Sauss. during the period July 2 to 20. Flights from these areas continued
until August 1. During the hoight of imnigrations local populations were in-

creased two to six tines, but when emigration torminated they had decreased

ral 4
omen

a

gain to nearly original nieboee which exhibited a more ‘uniforn distribution
aa at first. - The data on these. studies are as follows:

:Population per ;Fopula

;-opulation per :Population per
Area : sq. yd. before: sq. yd. during: sq, yd. after
Jay order at von malice) malecatlonenrs migration .
: Husben! ey ty) Minber ts a Number:
Mandan-—---—=% he rage ON On eit 5.6
Dickinson-=-: | gore DOO ere oe He,
Bence) es. : AGG Mea 6.0

rr ee ne

Effect of flooding on Cannula pellucida.--2. | G. meee Bogenan, states
that egg beds of C. pellucida Scudd. on the study” area Maintained in. the
Centennial Valley, southwestern Montana, were. flooded with irrigation water
from April 23 until August 15, when water was. diverted to permit haying _opera=
an During this period the wild hay meadows , with the exception of a: few

igher knolls, were almost continuous ly under water ant. the soil was at all
ae supersaturated. Hatching on the dry knolls began on June 15, the. nor-
mal hatching date for this area, Hatching in ground which had been flooded
began on August 20, 5 da ays after irrigation water was removed, and continued
until Septeriber 15 in the lower sections of the neacows. Although the eggs
were under water for over 3 months during the spring and sumuicr all eggs ex=
anined appeared viable and hatched in normal numbers. Although the current.
year's hatch was. not prevented by flooding, it was delayed long enough to
prevent grasshoppers fron naturing in time to deposit egzs and will result .
in greatly decreased populations in the hay meadows in 1939.

An effective bait for Mormon crickets e-~i. T. Cowan, Bozeman, ropor Titsis
"after 4 years of intensive work on efficient ond economical bait has been
developed for acult and late-instar Mormon crickets. It consists of 100
pounds of standard wheat bran, 4 pounds of sodium fluosilicate, and from 12
to 15 gallons of water. This bait was thoroughly tested on small plots in
the field over 15 replications and gave an average kill of 86. 3 percent. It
was also tested under actual farm conditions on plots of from 5 to 18 acres
and gave estimated kills of 75 to 95 perceit in every instance where tempera-
ture and weather conditions were favorable for feeding, The tests on the
small plots also showed that the addition of 2 gallons cf cane molasses to
the bnrsic bran-sodium fluosilicate-water bait gave only slightly higher kills;
therefore molasses is not recommended because of the acditional cost. Tyo
pounds of sodium fluosilicate per 100 pounds of bran gave ‘significantly poorer
kills than 4 pounds, whereas scdium arsenite showed a definite repellent ef-
fect, even when used at the rate of 1/2 pint per 100 pounds of bran, Through
a series of tests using the old "pan—bait method" extending over some 28
days, it was determined that the greatest numbers of Mormon crickets feed
IDE cuisine the hours of 7 and 10 a. a and at temperatures ranging, from 65° to
95° F., with the optimum at 86°,

-[~
_ JAPANESE BEETLE CONTROL

Evergreen-bough inspection.--Inspection of evergreen boughs for gypsy
moth infestation started late in October. Five temporary inspectors were
employed to supplement the regular force. Most of the boughs cut are spruce.
They are packec in 100-pound bales. Shipments were consigned principally to
New York City and St. Louis, where they are sold for use as covering on
cemetery lots. Bofore boughs are cut in the gypsy moth lightly infested
areas, the areas from which the boughs are to be taken, along with adjoining
properties, are scouted for gypsy moth egg clusters. In the absenco of in-~
festation, the boushs cut from any particular lot are eligible for certifi-
cation without piece-by=piece inspection. Two. ege clusters each have been
found on properties adjoining bough lots. at Plainfield, Mass., and Shrews-
bury, Vt. ;

Railway Bxpress Agency fined.--On October 11 the Railway Express Agency
through its counsel pleadcec guilty to a two-count information alleging viola~
tion of the Plant Quarantine Act, arising from shipments of uncertified birch
logs consigned from Worcester, Mass., to Atlantic’ City, N. J., and Washington,
D. C. The cartons, with open tops disclosing the logs, were intercepted by
a transit inspector in Boston. When the logs were returned to the consignor,
an inspector was called in to certify the shipment. Five gypsy moth egg
clusters were founc on the logs. The shipper was an individual wholly unin-
formed of the regulations. Although the logs never traveled interstate, a
eonviction for this violation was possible owing to the fact that the Plant
Quarantine Act makes it a miscemeanor for a common carrier to receive for
transportation interstate uncertified quarantined products.

Load of firewood yields 75 egg clusters.--Inspection of a carload of
firewood loaded at Cornish, Maine, for transportation to Philadelphia, Pa.,
disclosed 75 esg masses. In addition, 29 egg clusters were destroyed and re~
moved from 7 carloads and 2 truckloads of lumber. Another heavily infested
carload of pulpwood disclosed 21 egg masses. Three egs clusters were found
on a carload of nursery stock inspected prior to certification. In all, 130
gypsy moth egg clusters were found in the course of the month's inspections.

Mosquitoes chase Christmas tree cutters.--From Addison, Maine, comes
the report that mosquitoes are ‘delaying the the ¢ cutting of Christmas trees, which
usually begins late in October. A°crew of woodsmen returned to towm from the
woods, vowing that they would cut no more evergreens until the mosquito
nuisance abated. As Addison is within the lightly infested gypsy noth area,
all evergreen products shipped from there must be certified before removal
from the reguleted zone.

Control measures at isolated beetle infestations.--Soil treatment with
lead arsenate for Japanese beetle control progressed satisfactorily in sev—
eral cities in Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia dure
ing October. In Chicago, 33.1 acres were treated fron October 1-19, bringing
the total area treated in Chicago this year to 159.8 acres, In Dearborn,
Mich., 13.5 acres were treated from October 4-10; and in Detroit, Mich., 16.1
acres were treated during the period October 10-31. In Louisville, Ky., soil
treatinz was started on September 29 and was completed on October 27, with
30.9 acres treated. . Treatments in Erie, Pa., were started on October 17. By the
end of the month 50.6 acres in Erie had been covered. An additional ee 5

-§-

acres were treated in Oil City, Pa. Soil treatment was not started in
Winchester, Va., until October 31, 1.1 acres being sprayed on that date.
Soil treating in Detroit, Erie, Oil City, and Winchester will continue in-
to: November, All treatments should be completed early in that month,

‘These soil- treating projects are sponsored by the respective States, cities,
“é6r other agencies, with the Bureau furnishing the spraying equipment,
spray-truck operators, and supervision. '

Late adult observations.—-In Wilmington, Del., seven beetles, the last
Japanese beetles of the'season, were collected on a private estate on Octo-
ber 12. In the Elmira, N. Y., district, October 12 was also the last date au
on which beetles were observed. In Philadelphia the temperature reached 90 F.
on October 17, and on that date adults were observed in the open. The last
reported beetles in the Philadelphia area were three adults found on outside
roses at West Grove, Pa., on October el.

a ee ee

ea One Sine S Tit, or aiccaued wi mUPSer yy at rR CEEE Anne, “ta Aon wataricd
construction of a concrete building in which stock will be cleaned and

washed before inspection for Japanese beetles and other insects. It is antic-
ipated that this building will also serve as an efficient fumigation chamber
when needed. This firm has also completed construction of a conerete floor

on which its moss will be kept during the shipping season.

Trailer equipment for steam stcrilization of soil.--A dealer in mush-
room soil, or spent manure, in the Philadelphia district has equipped his
le~wton trailer with a system of piping whereby ha nay steam sterilize the
soil in compliance with the Japanese beetle quarantine regulations. Most

of his shipments are transported to Virginia and West Virginia under certifi-
cation.

Bark beotle invasion as aftermath of hurricane.--In the course cf ree
moving Snglish elms blown down by the storm and branches from other English
elns in Oyster Bay Towmship, Long Island, Dutch elm disease sanitation
crews discovered a considerable build-eup in the elm bark beetle population
in the stormeswept area. As seeders elms suffered the worst damage, ob-
servations for beetle activity were made on this species. Four weeks after
the storm it was found that sésagtie ‘miltistriatus Marsh. beetles had core
pleted their eee golleries and deposited their. egzs, the ergs had patched.
and the larvae had completed the side galleries for a distance of 4 s inch
or more. In stubs cut from English elms that had dried out very slowly,
it was found in some instances that adult beetles had cempleted their main
egg burrows, that eggs had hatched, and the larvae had completed about 1/8
inch of the right-angled galleries. Beetles appeared to have made their
greatest progress in wood that was almost cry.

Eim=sa Hales tail activities in Pennsylvania.~-Sanitation crews in Bucks
County,. Pa., are working in Upper Makefield Township, where three diseased
trees were found this summer. Blanket permission has been obtained fron
property awners for renoval of all elns within a mile of the confirmed trees.
Sanitation work is also progressing in Upper Mount Bethel Township, in North-
aupton County, where four trees were confirmed this year. Crews from Monroe
County have been assigned to this area. For the present the activities will
be confined to territory within a radius of a mile from the place where the

<a

Jiseased trees were found. Sanitation work is entirely new to all the W. P. A.
rorkers in Pennsylvania, Two days were spent in training them in the new
skills néeded to do this work. Demonstrations were given in the field to ac-
quaint the nen with the differences between dead and dying elms, beetle wood,
and possible beetle wood. Denonstrations were also given of the various rope
nots used in sanitation work.

Activities at isolated infections.--Elms in Indianapolis retained their
leaves until October 15. All qualified scouts were assigned to dead-tree
work so that as tuch of the area as possible could -ve covered before the trees
becane defoliated. During the mohth specimens were again collected from elms
in the Athens, Ohio, district, which earlier in the season had shown apparent
symptoms of the disease but in which presence of the fungus had not been con-
firned by laboratory culturing.

—_—-

were stationed on the principal exit highways at the border of the Dutch eln
disease infected zone and protective areas in Connecticut, and on the Con-
necticut-liassachusetts line to obserye the anount of elm wood in transit, par-
ticularly in easterly and northerly directions. No elm wood was intercepted.
There appeared to be very little movenent of logs and rough lumber of any

sort to the north and east. f :

Check on road rnovenent of elm wood.--For 2 weeks during the month, men

Beetle infestation survey in tree-medication area.--Three hundred cheni-~
cally treated elms were felled in the Sourland Mountain sections of Sonerset,
Hunterdon, and Mercer Counties, N. J. These trees will be debarked and ex-
anined for the presence of elm bark beetles. Fifty treated trees were also
felled and hauled in for exanination from Bergen, Morris, Sussex, and Warren
Counties, N. J.

Sanitation work under way in isolated infected area,—-In the Cunberland,
Md.-Wiley'’s Ford, W. Va. area, eln-sanitation work is well under way. Ac-
tivities at present are limited principally to the area adjacent to the Poto-
mac River. ‘

FOREST INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Hurricane alters gypsy moth study plans.--The hurricane damage to the
Older hardwoods in the area on the Harvard Forest, in which ecological studies
on the gypsy moth have been nade for the last 2 years, was so great that it
is not feasible to continue the studies in that area, according to H, A. Bess,.
New Haven, Conn. It is estimated that perhaps 75 percent of the trees in the
area were blown down and in some parts proctically all the trees are on-the
ground, This is a definite loss to the study but plans are under way to con-
tinue sinilar investigations in an adjacent younger stand not demaged by the
hurricane. With the cooperation of the Northeastern Forest Experinient Station,
studies on the fluctuations in the population of the gypsy moth are to be
nade over a periodc of several years on the Massabesic Forest at Alfred, Maine.
This fall approxinately 150 acres have been set aside for this study ond the
age cluster population, which is quite high, has been measured. This makes a
total of four experinental areas of 150 to 1,000 acres each, located at widely
separated points in New England, in which it is anticipated to neasure quanti-
tatively the fluctuations in the population and the nortality as influenced
by ecological factors.

~10~

Matsucoceus scale. fails to mature‘on red ine.—-T. J. Parr, New Haven,
reports that the Matsucoccus species” associated with pitch pine in New
England will also feed on red pine, ‘put it has ‘been definitely proved that.
they cannot mature and reproduce on that species of pine. Death of the ©
crawlers ensues before more than a very slight swelling of ‘the twig at the
point of foocyne takes pieces

Parker returns from Dutch en disease studies” in Enz ond. “29. = ae Parker
has returned to the Morvistown, N.oJ.,. laboratory, after being stationed at .
Oxford, England, for 3 years. During the time he spent abroad Mr. Parker
made studies and observations on insect vectors of the Dateh elm disease fun-
gus. ‘While his expérinents were conducted in England he nade trips to cer-
tain continental European countries in which the disease oecurs. Studies
made in England showed the larger Huropean elm bark beetle (Scolytus scolytus
F.) to be the most: important carrier of the fiihgus . . Besides being more in—
portant as a ao than the smaller Europea xn ein bark beetle Se mitistri-
= Marsh.), S S. scolytus was more prevalent end nore widely distributed. a

S. scolytus is not known to be present in the United States but 8. multis stri--

nie cecurs in the northeastern section of our country. “Another ~ Burcpean
scolytid beetle, Pteleovius vittatus F.,not present in the United States,
transnitted the fungus to nursery trees, when the adults were artificially
contaminated, and the trees developed norial disease symptoms, No trans-
mission of fhe. fungus was. obtained however with” adults reared from wood -
from dissased elms and, although many examples of P. vittatus work were ex=
amined ie the field, it was never possible to credit thé species as being
the cause of infection in diseased trees. ‘A number of other arthropods were
found a aay the fungus but Mr. Parker states that none of them is to bee
considered important in connection with tne progress of the disease.

Types of. elu trep trees attractive to elm dark beetles.--R. R. Whitten -<—
and W. C. Baker, Morristown, have reported on tests with ‘elm wood traps for
the two elm oark beetles, 5. multistriatus and Hylurgopinus rufipes s Bich.
During the tests made in Nos5. felled elm trees were found to be more at-
tractive to the beetles than girdled trees, severed but. hanging limbs, or
logs. In 1937 it was observed that certain chemically treated trees were
more attractive than felled trees. Further studies mnducted in 1938 in
two large field plots showed that standing elm trees injected with sodium
chlorate were significantly nore attrective than were felled trees.

4

Hibernation of Conophthorus.-~Donald DeLeon, of the Fort Collins, Colo.,
laboratory, reports that last spring while looking under bark scales on the ©
trunk of ponderosa pine for spruce budworm hibernacula, a few fragnents of
adults of a cone beetle, Conophthorus sp., were found. In the Denver Mountain
Parks area on ae moer 23, 0. L, Massey and lir, DeLeon found five or six.
live specimens der the bark close tc the phloem. The galleries were short
and extended oe no particular direction. They were confined chiefly to the
region 5 inches or so above the ground. It appears quite likely that the
beetles may hibernate in this location. No definite determinetion has yet
been obtained but it is er that the Bpectes is Conorphthorus ‘scopulorun
Hopk,

. -ll-

Mountain pine beetle in Mt. Rainicr National Park.--The 1938 survey
of activity by Dendroctonus monticolae Hopk. in Mt. Rainier National Park
revealed only five active spot infestations, totaling approxinately 1,040
trees on 38 acres, according to J. M. Whitesido, Portland, Oreg. As all
but two of these infestations are in unfrequented areas, and in keeping
with the insect control policies of the park, only 150 of this total nun-
ber of trees will be treated by C. C. ©. labor during the spring months.
The largest concentration was found.near the headwaters of Laughingwater
Creek, in an infestation of several years! standing. and where approxi-
nately 870 trees were marked or estinated on 33 acres of mixed white pine
stand, :

Oregon-Vashinston western pine bectle survey completed.—-Another
chapter in the intonsive western pine beetle check~plot surveys, conducted

cooperatively in Oregon and ‘Washington by the Forest Service, Office of
Indian Affairs, and the Portland forest-insect laborntory, was completed
early in October. A total of $8,570 acres, representing 214 plots, was
surveyed during 1938 by crews of these agencies. Although this represented
a slight reduction as compared with last season's totals, botter coverage
of the pine types was cbtained by a reallocation of certain plots and the
establishnent of new plots in previously unsarpled areas. Bark beetle
activity in Region 6 has been thoroughly investigated as a result of these
cruises, together with observational surveys which covered approxinately
100 percent of the commercial pine stands.

GYPSY MOTH AND BROWN-TAIL MOTH CONTROL

Leaf sections driven against trees resemble noth egg clusters.--
Small.picces of leaves torn fron trees by the recent hurricane were driven
against other trees with such force that they were still adhering to the
tree trunks ond large linbs in October. As some of these leaf sections
closely reserible gypsy mcth egg clusters in size and color, it is often in-~
possible to differentiate between then from the ground when the leaf sec-
tions are lodged on the upper parts of tall trees. This condition has
slowed up scouting work in sone sections because of the necessity of doing
much extra climbing in order that no real gypsy noth egg clusters may be
hissed.

Cynsy noth crews guard against starting forest fires.--Unseasonably
qarli weather and lack of rain since September el, together with the tangled
Mass of trees and branches felled by the hurricane, has created a serious
fire hazard in the forest lands in which gypsy moth work is being conducted.
A strict ben on smoking and the building of fires by employees of this pro-
ject is in effect and will continue to be enforced until’ there is no further
Ganger of forest fires.

—

mont.—--On October 3 a single-cesg-cluster gypsy noth info-tation was dis—
covered in Granville, located just within the border of the barrier zone in
central Vorrtiont. This is the second single-egz~cluster infestation to be
found in Granville during the present fiscal year. The growth within a
radius of 50 feet of the infosted tree consists of beech and spruce, with

a single yellow birch nearby.

Bs eke

sc Leen pene es EO between training periods .--A field artillery

firing range, wu ited | s Arny for training Regular and
National Guard ee Lr stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, is located in the
towns of Underhill and Bolton, Vt. The range is heavily wooded and is in-
cluded in the territory to be scouted for the gypsy. noth during the current
fiscal year. No scouting could be done in that section fron July 1 to
September 25, as the range was used almost continuously and no entry to the.
reservation was permitted. . However, the range was idle from Septerber 25.

to October 12, and gypsy moth crews assigned to duty in the two tows were
able to scout in that region. During the performance of the- scouting work

many unexploded 3~inch and 6-inch shells were observed. Military guards. .
stationed at the range and the supervisor directing gypsy moth work in that
locality cautioned all of the nen working in the range that the unexploded
shells must not be disturbed, as there was. danger of explosion if they were. -
touched or moved., The shells will be exploded by trained Army personnel ag
using devices especially designed for that purpose after the firing is .con— |
pleted in late fall or carly UL BROCE No gypsy moth infestations were found ~~
on the amec ;

Many trees blorm: down . b oben eine at sypsy noth Heese ee eypsy
noth supervisory employee recently visited a sypsy moth infestation located:
last year in Mount Holly, Vt. He estinated that nore than 50 percent of the

trees in an areca of approximately 15 acres surrounding the infested site

were blown down during the September. hurricane. Mount Holly is located east ©
ef the barrier gone, a ga) south-central part of Vernont.

Isolated infestation discovercd it in Massachus vchusetts.—-A new gypsy noth

Seen t en Te Was recently @iscovered in the wes stern. part: of North Adams Town-

hip in northwestern Massachusotts, near the Tillianstow line. Inforna-
aes so far available indicates: that this: infestation is relatively snall
and should be exnsily exterminated. This infestation isi notable because it
is located several niles from any other: infestation found in this section
cane the last several years, whereas nest of the infestations located in.
the barrier zone district of.Massachusetts this season are in the immed diate
ee ey of. ola infested.sites.

Sa ee a

amount of folinge fron Secaten Peon: AE REGS of le: Tead areenaee
sprey was recently observed on the ground in Great Barrington, Berkshire
County, Mass., far fro: any araa that was sprayed for the gypsy::i0th by ‘this
Beene last surmer. . This seems to indicato that the leaves were torn’ fron
the trees in sprayed areas and were blomm considerable distances by the
hurricane, The danger of animals boing poisoned by this folinge does not.
appenr, to be great, as leaves dry quickly after becoming; detached from the
twigs.

Scouting completed in lowlands along the Lackawanna and Susquehanna
Rivers.--Gyps sy moth scoutin; in the lowlands bordering the Lackawanna and
Susquehanna: Rivers in Pennsylvania, which was temporarily. suspended durirf
the Soptember flood, was resumed on October 3. As most of the scoutinz in
this section hac been completed before. the waters rose, only slishtly nore
than 2 weeks were required to finish the work, and the territory was entirely
scouted by about the middle of October. One infestation, consisting of 16
exe clusters, was Ciscovered in Jenkins Township on an accumulation of debris

Sie

that had apparently originated at the site of some nearby infestation, been
dumped along the river bank, and moved to the iene of discovery by the
flood waters.

Report of infestation in Stroudsburg, Pa., unfounded.--A report re-
cently received at the Gypsy Moth Office at Wilkes-Barre, Pa., relative to

the existence of a gypsy moth infestation in Stroudsburg, which is located
east of the Pennsylvania quarantined area, was investigated by thoroughly

experienced gypsy moth field men, Although these men carefully inspected

the supposedly infested area, they were unable to discover any indications
that gypsy moths were present and apparently the report was unfounded.

Spraying equipment -needed in Connecticut.--A meeting of all gypsy
moth foremen and superintendents connected with the work in progress at tlk

severe infestation in the Granby~Simsbury area was held in Connecticut on
October 13, The meeting was also attended by one of the district foresters,
the Federal C. C. C. inspector of the State, two men from the State gypsy
moth organization, and representatives of the Federal Gypsy Moth Office in
Greenfield, Mass. The field work was inspected and the problem presented
by this heavy infestation was discussed, It was the consensus of opinion
that spraying was greatly needed in order to obtain the desired control of
this infestation, and the possibility of obtaining equipment for this pur-
pose was considered. It was pointed out that all of the Federal Bureau's
available equipment is needed in and near the barrier. zone. area and in
Pennsylvania, and that an attempt should be made to obtain spraying equip-—
ment elsewhere. Suggested sources were the C. C. C., the State Foresters
Organization, property owners, and the two towns involved.

Some heavy infestations not seriously damaged by hurricane.--A sur-
vey of several woodland areas in Connecticut and Massachusetts which con-
tain heavy gypsy moth infestations and in which considerable gypsy moth
work has been done, revealed that in particular cases, such as at West Peak
in Meriden, Conn., at the Granby-Simsbury infestation in that State, and
at the severe infestation in Russell, Mass., there was no large number of
trees felled by the storm. Although in all of these areas some trees were
blown down, conditions at these points are not so serious as in many other
locations.

C. C. C. gypsy moth camp receives high rating.--The Westfield, Mass.,
C. ©. C. gypsy moth camp has been designated as outstanding and has re~
ceived the next-to-highest rating for the First Corps Area for the eleventh
enrollment period.

New C. C. C. enrollees trained at infested sites.--During the first
week in October many new C. C. C. enrollees who started work st the be-
ginning of the new enrollment period received training in gypsy moth scout-
ing, creosoting, climbing with ropes and spurs, and in the use of sharp-
edged tools. These men were concentrated, as far as possible, in severely
infested locations where their work during the training period would be
most useful in completing needed ground work before snow falls,

ah
PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

Barberry bushes rusted heavily in certain counties in Montana.--A
local rust spread directly traceable to heavily infected barberry bushes
was located by survey crews in Yellowstone County in July of this year, ac-
cording to reports received from Ivar Twilde, assistant leader in charge of
field operations in Montana. Eradication work during the last summer has
been restricted to areas of native timber in Yellowstone County. Since work
opened in the spring, more.than 300 bushes have been found and 10 new
propertics recorded, An average of 27 relief laborérs have been employed —
since work was begun in the spring.Owing to severe winter Re epee sel: Gas
planned to discontinue ‘field operations about December 15,

’ Abandoned farmsites-.in Missouri yield many barberry bushes.-—~Ih a
recent report relating to the progress of barberry-eradication work -in
Missouri, George M. Frandsen, leader in charge, summarizes information re-
‘lating to the number be capendoned farmsites encountered by survey crews dur-
ing October. As a result of a survey of 98.5 square-miles.in Adair, Audrain,
Knox, Macon, and Randolph Counties, 86 abandoned farmsites were encountered
in l-month. In Adair County 12 abandoned farmsites were found in 11 square
miles; 2 in 22 square miles in Audrain County; 6 in 20.5 square miles in
Knox County; 46 in 24 square miles in Macon County; and 20 in 21 square
miles in Randolph County. This information is important in view of the con-
sideration that has been given to limiting survey in certain rural sections
in Missouri to:an inspection of farmsites and timber immediately surrounding
the buildings. Wr. Frandsen points out that, had a procedure of this kind
been followed in October of this year, most of the 86 abandoned farmsites
would have been missed because there was no road or other indication tnat
these old farmsites existed, Since barberry-eradication work was begun in
Missouri in September 1933, 1,154 properties having 17,6644 bushes have been
found, 2'6 of which were rural properties, and 38 of this number could be
classed as abandoned farmsites and would have been missed had only a property—
to-property survey been made. Although the number of rural nropoeeiae in
Missouri having barberry bushes is rather limited in comparison to some of
the States farther north, infested properties have been found at the rate
of about 25 per county and the 38 that would have been missed, had only a
property—to-property survey been made, would represent about 15 percent of
the rural infested properties in the area which has been worked to date.

Blister rust camps closed for season,-—-The closing of tne blister
rust control camps in the western white pine region was started the latter
part of Septembcr. One 4O-man hayl camp out of Priest River was continued
during October. In addition some preeradicetion work was carried on in
the Coeur d'Alene, Kaniksu, and St. Joe National Forests. In the sugar
pine region, work ceased in all camps in California by October 15, except
the Soda Springs C. C. C. camp on the Lassen Netional Forest, the Yosemite
Park C. C,. C. camps in which eradication continued until the latter part
of October, and the Miami Creek camp on the Sierra National Forest which
will continue Ribes eradication as long as the weather permits and will
then move to Mariposa, Calif. In Oregon Ribes eradication terminated on
October 10, -

Blister rust found in many new counties.--Weather conditions late in
the summer and carly in the fall apparently favored the spread of blister
rust. The disoase has been found for the first time on Ribes in U4 new

sles

counties and on white pine in 1 county in 8 States. In 29 of these counties
the rust’ was found on the cultivated black currant (Ribes nigrun), indi-
cating .the importance of this species in the spread of the disease.

Blister rust exhibits.~-During September ‘blister rust exhibits were
pleced at two State fairs, seven county fairs, and a 4-H Club Exposition in
the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. R. I, Thompson, in charge of blister rust
control in this part of the State, writes that there was a total attendance
at these fairs of over 1,450,000, Interviews were extended to several
thousand interested people and information given on the blister rust disease
end methods of control.

COTTON INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Cotton aphid studies.--Search for cotton plants immune:or tolerant to—
leaf aphids and studies of some of the factors influencing the aphid infes—
tation were made by E. W. Dunnam and J. C. Clark, of the Stoneville, Miss.,
laboratory during the past season. The Bureau of Plant Industry maintains
a large collection of cotton in their genetics plots at Stoneville, includ—
ing all of the species and hundreds of varieties, strains, and crosses of
cottons. All of these plants were examined and while there were many gra~—~
dations in intensity of infeststion no plants were found to be immune to
aphid attack. The wild cottons and nonproductive kinds generally had: the
lightest aphid populations and when a lightly infested plant was found among
the crosses it was invariably a stalk without fruit and a segregate sinilar
to the wile types. Twelve pure~line varieties were grown in pots indoors
and in single rows side by side in the field for comparing the aphid popu—"
lations. In the laboratory when a given number of aphids were placed on
each plant the increase was more rapid and the populations remained higher
on the slow-fruiting varieties with less determinate growth habits. Thése
varieties were excessively dusted with calcium arsenate to build up a heavy
aphid infestation in the field. All of them became seriously infested al—
though some were more tolerant than others. Individual plants with infes-
tations ranging from extrenely heavy to light and with vigorous leaves thet
were nore resistant to shedding when heavily infested were found in all of
the varieties but none were immune. Several flowers on each plant were self-
fertilized and the bolls ginned separately in order thot pure-line seed
will be available. The history of each plant will be reviewed by a compe-
tent cotton breeder and seecd'from the nost prcmising selected for further
tests for resistance. The relation of pilosity and the application of cal-
cium arsenate to aphids were studied in threc varieties, A very snooth
variety and a variety with internediate pilosity, selected from progeny of
the same parents and a very hairy variety not related generically to the
above were used, Plants of each type were dusted three, six, and nine
‘tines and left uncustec. As in previous results, the nore pilose plants
held nore calcium arsenate and retained it for a longer time than did the
smooth plants. The adherence of calcium arsenate on each type was also
Much greater when dustec while wet with dew than when dusted while dry. For
all practical purposes three applicrtions of dust appeared to cause as much
increase in aphids as six or nine applications. The total anhics as de—
termined by exanining 900 23-inch leaf disks fron each class throughout the
season were 19,000 on the undusted plants, 27,000 on the 3-application,
31,000 on the 6-applicetion, and 29,000 on the Q-application plants. The
maturity of the leaves following the first crop of bolls appeared to be a

=16—

factor in reducing the infestation on the plants receiving nine applica
tions of dust, as the leaves were maturing and becoming unfavorable for
the aphids:by the tine the latter applications were made. The total aphids
on the disks from the dusted plants of the smooth variety were 23,000; fron
the internediate pilosity, 29,000; an@ from the very hairy, 36,000. Less
differences were found in the populations of the undcusted plants of the
three varieties. Parasites of* the aphids did not Appenr until there were
approxinately five aphids per 23-inch leaf disk and parasitization was ©
higher in all cases on the dusted than on the undusted plants. Thus the
increase in aphids following Gusting with calcium arsenate did not appear
be due to killing of the parasites by the arsenical, but the density of
the aphid population governed the extent of parasitization. The pH of the
soil from the plots was determined immediately after the dustings were con-
pleted by F. H. Tucker. The ocidity of the soil in the checks was 6.32.
When three, six, and nine applicctions of calcium arsenate at the rate of
12 pounds per acre were applied the pH values incréased to 6.38, 6.53, and
6:85 respectively. The change in the soil fron acidity toward neutrality
(7.0), or some other unknown factor, spparently caused the crop to mature
earlier as the amount of calcium arsenate applied was increased. Whether
the soil meciun affects the pH of the cell sap in the leaves, which night
favor aphid production, remains to be cetermined. |

How do arsenicals kill the cotton flea hopper?-—-Experiments were con—
ducted from June to August by G. D. Green, at the Port Lavaca, Tex., lab-—
oratory in an effort to determine how arsenicals kill the cotton flea
hopper (Psallus seriatus Reut.). Paris green and calcium arsenate were
used in the tests as these are the arsenicals generally nixed with sulphur
to increase its effectiveness against the flea noppers. Insects were all
field collected ‘from croton plants and Most of the tests were made on
growing cotton plants, although croton was used in some. Flea hoppers EWIAS)
difficult to maintain in cages and the mortality in the checks was generally
high, Several types of cages were usec, including cages over living plants,
small cages fastened to the leaves, and bags over portions of the plant. In
the outdoor cages it was necessary to protect the insects from the exces—
sive heat of the midcay sun by suspencing a black cloth shade supported by
wires above the cages, Considerable variation in the numbers of insects
used per test was necessary because of the difference in types of cages. A
number of replications of each experiment were made and checks maintained
under similar concitions except for treatments. In all cases the insecti-
cides were applied at heavier rates than ordinarily used under field con—
ditions, an@ whore dusts were used the plants and insects were dampened
with water applied with an atomizer to simulate early morning Custing con—
ditions. As the cotton flea hopper is a sucking insect, the expe eriments
were planned to test the possibility of (a) killing by contact ané (b) ar-
senic being absorbed by the plant and taken by the insects through the food.
In the contact series, adults custed with paris green and placed on un—
treated plants showed 61.9-percent mortality as compared 6 10.6 percent in
checks; plants dusted with 10—percent paris green to 90-percent sulphur,
He l-percent mortality, check 40.4 percent; and plants dusted with enleium

gsenaote 30.3-percent mortality, check 10, 6 percent. The mortality of un-
soe 3d adults confined on plants dusted with paris green was 95. 6 percent
and of plants dusted with calcium arsenate 77.8 percent, as compared to 10.6
percent in the checks; on plants sprayed with paris green the mortality was

?

ical at
77.5 percent and 29.2 percent in’ the checks. When the’ insects were sprayed
with paris green and caged on untreated plants the mortality was 47.2 per-
cent, as compared to 29.2 percent in the checks. In the absorption series,
adults confirmed on plants dusted with paris green and calcium arsenate and
the plants thoroughly washed with water after 24, 48, or 72 hours the mor-
tality was 38.3 percent for the paris green, 27.3 percent for the calcium
arsenate, and 19.5 percent for the check series. The mortality of the flea
hoppers confined in small covered cages attached to the upper surface of
leaves, which had been dusted on the under side with paris green, was 56.5
percent but the mortality in the checks with this type of cage was also
55.4 percent. Where the buds of the plants were protected by paper bags
and the remainder of the foliage dustec with paris green, the mortality in
the insects caged on the undusted buds was 32.7 percent, and 29.1 percent
in the checks. In tests where the insects were fed on plant cuttings placed
in water containing paris green and calcium arsenate the results were in-
consistent because of arsenical injury to the plants. Sufficient work has
not been done to craw conclusions, but uncer field conditions where both
plants and insects are dusted at the same time, it appears that the toxicity
of arsenic to the cotton flea hopper is due to the combined effect of a part
of: the arsenic being taken with the food after absorption by the plant, and
the remainder by external contact of the dust settling on the insects during
Qusting and by contact of the insects with the dust on the plants. If part
of the lethal dose of arsenic is received from each of these sources, re
sults of experiments using dead and live insects as a criterion to test each
source separately cannot be used, as individual insects receiving less than
a lethal dose will not die.

PINK BOLLWORM AND THURBERIA WEEVIL CONTROL

Cotton stalk destruction.--During October practically all of the time
of the personnel in the lower Rio Grande Valley was given to carrying out
the stalk-destruction program. At the beginning of the month there remained
23,161 acres of unplowed 1938 cotton stalks and 495 acres of soca cotton.

In addition there were several thousand acres of poorly plowed land on which
a good many fruiting stalks were left. A determined effort was made during
October to destroy these remaining stalks and it is believed that they were
reduced approximately 50 percent, eliminating the heaviest growth which was
most dangerous. Stalks remaining at the end of October may be listed under
three distinct classifications: Scattered stalks or root sprouts, ranging
from.less than one to several hundred stalks per acre on 75 percent of the
cotton lend; cotton land of nonresident or unknown ownership abandoned by
the grower; and soca cotton on abandoned land. At the close of the month
plowing of stalks had been completed on all acreage in the northwestern part
of the district in Hidalgo and Starr Counties known as the dry—land farming
section, where an extension of time had been granted. A total of 22 formal
charges were filed in the county courts against persons who were willfully
neglecting to destroy stalks on land ovmed or controlled by them, but in
every case where charges were filed the persons involved have gone ahead and
destroyed the stalks. At the end of October there remained only 239 acres
of 1938 cotton stalks still standing, with an additional 1,556 acres of stub
or volunteer cotton which had not been plowed. This cotton, however, did
not bear fruit in October. Three of our inspectors have continued to assist
the Mexican inspectors in contact work on the Mexican side of the river. Dur-
ing October a very material reduction was made in the acreage of cotton

-1g-

stalks remaining there. There are only a few acres of standing stalks re-
maining in the Matamoros area. This is on land more or less isolated by.
the floodwater of the Rio Grande; however, there is a considerable amount
of stub cotton in that area which has not been plowed. Toward the close

of the month the Mexican officials began a concentrated drive to have this
work completed and a large reduction in stub acreage is expected very
shortly. Taking the area in Mexico as a whole, it is relatively stalk--
free. In the area from Brownsville 90 miles west to Camargo and extending ~
about 20 miles south, there are only a few fields in which stalks have not
been cut or plowed; however, in areas to the south where fields are widely
scattered and contact work has been difficult progress has not been so good.
In summing up the situation on both the American and Mexican sides, it may
be said that a very large percentage of the cotton farmers have made a sin-
cere effort to destroy the cotton stalits in accordance with the program.
Hovever, in such a warm clinate it is a very difficult job to-kill cotton
plants and in a number of fields in the vicinity of Brownsville-Matamoros
pink bollworms were being found on bolls from second-growth cotton. at the
end of the month. On the whole the stalk~destruction program made favor-
able progress in the Coastal-Bend section during the month. An extension
to November 1 was given farmers in this section in which to destroy stalks.
Only a few charges were filed in State courts against those who failed to
corply.

Big Bend clean-—up.--Clean-up work in the Big Bend area was rapidly
approaching completion at the end of the month and it is believed that
much good is being accomplished, as the stalls are being destroyed before
frost. This makes possible a more thorough clean-up, because there is not
so much shattering of material carrying the pink bollworm during the pro-
cess of cutting stalks. A much better job of clean-up is being done on
he Mexican side than has been the case in previous efforts of this kind.

Gin-trash inspection,—-—Gin-—trash ins gael nee for the month was
concentrated mainly in the Panhandle section of Texas and in the cotton—
growing areas of Arizona. No new infestations were found in the Panhandle
of Texas but specimens were taken from several of the counties already under
regulation. In Arizona a new infestation was found in the Salt River Val-
ley of Arizona, where the pink bollworm was eradicated a number of years
ago. A reoccurrence was also found in the Casa Grande-Coolidge area, as
well as at Tucson and Safford, all of which were infested last season. In
Ward, Reeves, 2nd Pecos Counties, Tex., and-in Bddy and Chaves Counties,

N. Mex,, 211 in the Pecos Valley, enough inspection was done to deternine
the status of the infestation, It appears that in the lower end of the
Pecos Valley the worm population is building up somewhat, an average of
about 20 worrs per bushel of trash being-taken from that area. Considerable
incidental inspectior was done in the Bl Paso Valley district during the
nonth by the regulatory inspectors, and from about 224 bushels of trash
nore than 10,000 pink bollworms were taken. The major portion of these
worms came from the henvily infested part of Hudspeth County; also, fron

Bl Paso County anc from Dona Ana and Luna Counties, in southern New Mexico.
The gin-trash inspection being carried on in Alabana and Georgia was dis-—
continued during the first week in October, all inspections for the season
having been negative. Inspection of sea island cotton fields was also dis-—
continued during the first week of the month. In addition to the inspec-
ae a considerable nunber of green bolls were collected fron Florida and
Georgia for preservation anc later inspection.

.-19-

Wild-cotton eradication.--A W. P. A. allotment was made available
for wild-cotton eradication work during the first week in October, and the
first crew of W. P. A. laborers was placed in operation at Key West on
October 13, with other crews being set up during the month at Key Largo
and in the Fort Myers and Bradenton subdistricts. The W. P. A. personnel
was increased from 7 on October 13 to approximately 75 on October 31. Dur-
ing October a total of 17,870 wild cotton plants was destroyed, of which
only 19 had mature bolls. Of these 18 were from Key Largo, and from the
mature bolls of these plants 5 specimens of the pink bollworm were found.
One pink bollworm was taken from a mature boll from Matecumbe.

Thurberia—~plant eradication.--‘ork on the destruction of Thurberia
plants in the Santa Catalina Mountains during October slowed down to some
extent so far as actual work on the cotton line was concerned because of
sO many men having to be used in dismantling the camp at Italian Ranch and
preparing and finally erecting a new camp in Finger Rock Canyon. After in-
tensive search the best site that could be found in this canyon necessitated
a tremendous amount of leveling. and rock breaking and a considerable amount
of rather heavy trail building. No water fit for human consumption could
be found throughout the canyon and 300 gallons of water is having to be
hauled each day. Neither is there any wood in the canyon and coal will have
to be hauled for all purposes. This will be considerably cheaper than haul~
ing wood several miles over mountains with no trails and by pack animals.
During October 832 man-days were spent in locating and destroying 11,013
plants over a rough area of 2,640 acres. Eighty-seven 1/2-gallon cans of
green Thurberia bolls were gathered from various nountain ranges and will
be sent to the San Antonio laboratory for inspection in the near future.

TRUCK CROP AND GARDEN INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

o}

t_ability of sweetpotato weevil adults.--K. L. Cockerham, of

the Sunset, La., laboratory, reports that experiments this year have denon—
strated that infestations of Cylas formicarius (F.) were found in trap
patches of sweetpotatoes planted 1,320 and 1,760 yards, respectively, fron
the focal point of dispersal. At the former location approximately 8 per
cent of the sweetpotato plants were found infested, whereas at the latter
location approximately 4 percent of the plants were infested when exanined
in September. These findings indicate that the svweetpotato weevil adult

is capable of flight for a distance of at least 1 mile. In adécition, a
nunber of sweetpotato weevil adults weich had been colored with dyes and
liberated at a focal point of dispersion were caught at trap lights located
fron 1/4 to 1/2 mile, respectively, from the point of liberation,

Pyrethrum-oil sprays control beet leaZhopper in Arizona.--Van E.
Ronney, of the Phoenix, Ariz., loaboratory, reports that opplications during
the period October 28-November 5, 1937, of a nyrethrum-oil spray directed
against Eutettix tenellus (Bak.) on seed beets have apparently resulted in
nn average increase of approximately 360 pounds of clean suger beet seed
per acre over the production of beet seed in comparable untreated plots. The
value of the seed obtained by this increase amounts to about *%30 per acre.
The plots sprayed twice did not exhibit a significant increase over the
plots sprayed once early in the season,

~20—

Control of mole crickets in Florida,~-J. N. Tenhet, of the Sanford,
Fla., laborstory, reports that cultural control experiments during the sun-
ner of 1938 against nole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) denonstrated that a
satisfactory degree of control of these pests on celery seedbeds could be
obtained by deep plowing at e@-week intervals during May and June. However,
the experinents disclosed that, unless barriers or walls were erected around
‘the treated seedbeds, the mole crickets were very likely to move into the
treated areas very quickly after the beds were prepared for planting. A
series of experinents on seedbeds with various poisoned baits yielded good
control of the tole crickets; however, under ficld conditions, a poisoned
bait consisting of corn meal and gine phosphide dic not show any marked su-
periority to poisoned baits containing wheat bran, cottonseed meal, and paris
green or calcium arsenate. Tests with poisoned baits containing zinc phos—
phide, calcium arsenate, or paris green demonstrated that the first two
baits were safe to use on celery seedlings, Bermuda grass, and carpet grass,
but the bait containing paris green burned celery seedlings very severely
ane caused noderate injury to carpet grass. The paris green bait, however,
did not cause appreciable injury to Bermuda grass.

Life cycle of wireworns in Pacific Northwest.--E. W. Jones, of the
Walla Walla, Wash., laboratory, reports that a summary of the data obtained
in seasonal history studies of the Pacific coast wireworm (Limonius canus
Lec.) and the sugar beet wireworm (L. californicus Mann,), conducted in the
Pacific Northwest during the Wyear period 1935-38, revealed that neither
of these species ordinarily completes its life cycle in 1 year. These
studies disclosed that a larger number of L. canus complete their life cycle
within a 2-year period than of L. californicus. Most of the L. canus indi-
viduals under observation completed their life cycle in 3 years, and less
than 10 percent of the individuals required 4 years for this purpose. Jud-
ing from available data, it appears that L. californicus has a life cycle
ranging from 2 to 5 years in duration. Approximately 70 percent of the
1935 brood of this species had completed their life cycle at the expiration
of 4 years. :

Seasonal injury by cabbage caterpillars in South Carolina.-—-In sum—
Marizing experiments conducted against the common species of caterpillars
(Pieris rapae (L.), Autographa brassicae (Rilcy), and Plutella maculipennis
(Curt.)), affecting cabbage during the springs of 1935, 1937, and 1938,

W. J. Reid, Jy., of the Charleston, S. ©., laboratory, reports that on an
average during the 3-year period approximately 28 percent of the cabbage
plants under observation were rendered ineligible to U. S. Grade No. 1 be-
cause of caterpillar damage, an adCitional 14 percent were rendered un~
marketable on account of defects other than those caused by ‘insects, leav-—
ing a remainder of only approximately 58 percent which were suitable for
marketing as U. S, Grade No. 1. Keeping in mind conditions thot existed
throughout the 3-year period curing which the spring crop. of cabbage was
grown in the Charleston locality, only about 8 percent of the total number

‘of plants damaged by caterpillars were harvested prior to May 1, even though
approximately only 25 percent of all the plants in the fields under obser-—
vation had beon harvested by that date. Approximately 50 percent of the
plants harvested after the third weck of May were classified as having been
rendered unmarketable because of caterpillar damage. It seems evident,
judging from the data now available, that .under avernoge climatic concitions ©
the greatest degree of damage caused by caterpillars to the spring cabbage ;
crop in the Charleston locality of South Carolina occurs in May anc June.

cate

Derris, cube, and cryolite control Mexican bean beetle on pole
beans.--L. W. Brannon, of the Norfolk, VYa., laboratory, reports that re-

sults of an experiment conducted in pole limq beans demonstrated that

dusts or sprays containing derris, cube, or cryolite are effective against
Zpilachna varivestis Muls. on crops of lima beans grown commonly on poles
anc from which pickings are made throughout a long period of the growing
season. Insecticide applications made to the pole beans on June 14, July 1,
and July 14, were apparently reflected throughout the season in increased
yields, as compared to comparable untreatec plots, as at the end of the
seventh picking (approximately September 30), pronounced inereases in yield
were noted on the treated plots. The effect of the insecticide treatments
on the first and seccnd pickings of the crop earlier in the .scason were
also strikingly apparent, as judged from the yield records made at that
time. It appears that sprays or dust mixtures containing derris, cube, or
cryolite, when applied properly, are effective in controlling the Mexican
bean beetle, not only on beans of the bush type but also of the pole typc.

INSECTS AFFZCTING MAN AND ANIMALS

Toxicity tests against mosquito larvae.--Preliminary tests with 1l-
phenyl benzothiazole by W. V. King at Orlanco, Fla., against Culex larvae
and by H. H. Stage at Portlanc, Oreg., against Aedes larvae show that this
naterial is quite toxic to these two species but is less toxic than pheano-
thiazine. A sample of cuprous arsenite produced in the Tennessee Valley.
Authority laboratory at Wilson Dam was tested for its toxicity. against no-
squito larvae by W. V. King, anc was foune to produce a higher mortality
than cic a commercial brand of paris green. Both these naterials, however,
were more toxic than calcium arsenite.

Efficiency of poisoned baits for destroying rodent hosts of American
dog tick.--C. N. Sith, of the Martha's Vineyard, Mass., laboratory, re-
ports that the use of a poisoned bait consisting of chopped apples and
zinc phosphide apparently reduced in 1 week's time the meadow mouse popu-
lation to a level which required 3 months to attain by the use of a
poisonec-grain bait.

Texas ranchnen interested in cattle grub control.——During the winter
of 1937-38, 265 Herefore cattle on a 32,000 acre ranch in King County,
Tex., were treated with a cube-powder wash to deternine the feasibility of
using this treatment for the control of the cattle grub on range animals.
The insecticide consisted of 1 pounce of cube powder (90 percent 250—-mesh
to 4 percent rotcnone) in suspension in 1 gallon of water containing ap-
proximately 4 ounces of home-made lye soap. he wash was thoroughly ap-—
plied to the backs of the aninals by rubbing it into the hair with a stiff
fiber brush. About & ounces of the wash was used for each animal and it
was possible for 4 men to handle and treat 100 animals per hour. The
treated aninals wore segregated in a 10-section pasture surrounded by other
pastures comprising some 22/,000 acres and on which were run a proportianate
nunber of untreatec cattle. A check on the degree of infestation in treated
and untreated aninals Curing the fall of 1936, after being exposed during
one heel fly season after the application of the treatment, shoved an average
of only 1.06 grubsper head in the treated aninals; whereas, an aversze of

=—2e—

{.08 grubs per head were found in untreated animals running in adjoining
pastures. Among untreated calves born after the adults were treated but
before or during the heel fly season and allowed to run on the same
pasture as the treated animals, there was an average of 4.11 grubs per
head. Calves born at approximately the same time but run on the pasture
with the untreated adults were infested with an average of 12.4 grubs per
head. ‘ho apparent great reduction of cattle grub infestation as shown
by this test has encouraged the owner of the ranch to treat all his cattle
during the coming winter. The owners of neighboring ranches were much
interested in the results obtained and indicated that they would begin
treatments of their cattle this season. R. R. Reppert, Texas State exten-
sion entomologist, and H. G. Hackney, county azent, King County, initiated
the tests and HE. W. Laake, of the Bureau's Dellas, Tex., laboratory, co-
operated in the checking of results. ‘

FOREIGN PLANT QUARANTINES

4A quarter century of interceptions.--The first list of interceptions,
covering the period July 1 to December 31, 1913, and prepared by 3B. R.
Sasscer, was issued as News Letter No. 1, dated February 2, 1914. There~
after such lists were issued monthly for a time in the News Letter series,
the final installment for the fiscal year 1914 being News Letter No. 11
dated July 9, 1914. The interceptions for that year total 1,456, of which
256 were diseases. The countries of origin of these interceptions totaled
59, the bulk of the interceptions being from much the same list of coun-
tries as now. Gypsy moth, brown—tail moth, pink bollworm, Zuropean tussock
moth, citrus leaf miner, and crown gall are among the intercepted pests
given special mention. Interceptions of powdery scab of potatoes by Harry
B. Shaw and of papaya fruitfly by H. L. Sanford are given special mention
also. It is interesting to note that Messrs. Sasscer, Shaw, and Sanford
are still associated in the foreign plant quarantine work. Incidentally,
it was found that the first disease listed as determined to species was
Ranwularia angustata which does not appear in our interception index files.
A brief check-up indicated that the insects have been indexed. <A casual
examination of the interception lists indicated that the hosts occurring
most often were palns, on which 145 interceptions were made; bay trees,
141; rhododendron (including azaleas), 132; box, 92; and orchids, 55.
While over one-third of the interceptions were made on this small group of
hosts, a,wide variety of hosts occurs in the list for the year. The
twenty-fifth year report (for the fiscal year 1938) is in course of prepa-
ration. While the interception figures are much larger and the material,
both hosts and pests, somewhat more varied, it would appear that the old
records are very creditable when the newness of the work and the number
of inspectors employed are considered,

Pear tingid fron Italy.--Two living specimens of the pear tingid
(Stephanitis pyri F.) were intercepted at New York on November 11, 1937,
on a persinmon fruit in baggage from Italy. This is a serious pest of
pear and apple in Europe. Bacly infested leaves become yellow, then brown,
and die. The injury, which is usually severe, consists in the loss of
sap, the destruction of the parenchyma, and the prevention of the functions ©
of the leaf owing to the covering of excreta.

a

Entomological interceptions of interest.~-Five living larvae of the
fruitfly Anastrepha ffaterculus (Wied.) were intercepted at Laredo, Tex.,
on July 16 in three peaches in baggage’ from Mexico. A living larva of the
trypetid Rhagoletis cerasi L. was intercepted at Boston on July 16 ina
cherry in ship's stores from Italy. -This species is knowm in European
literature as the cherry fruitfly.' Ten living adults of the bruchid Specu-
lorius erythrinae Brid. were taken at New York on July 19 in Erythrina seed
in the mail from the Union of South Afriea. A living larva of the avocado
seed moth (Stenoma catenifer Wlsn.) was intercepted at San Pedro, Calif.,
on August 2 in an avocado seed in baggage from Ecuador. A living adult of
the weevil Mesites pallidipennis Boh, arrived at Norfolk, Va., on June 24
under the bark of a walnut log in cargo from France. Living specimens of
the coccid Lichtensia lutea (Ckll.) were.found at Hidalgo, Tex.,-on May 27
on croton leaves in baggage from Mexico. A living adult of the weevil
Cholus nigronmacvlatus Champ. was intercepted at San Francisco on June 20
on an orchid (Laelia sp.) in express from Mexico. Eleven living larvae of
the bean pod borer (Maruca testulalis Geyer) were taken at Mobile, Ala., on
July 26 in green string beans in ship's stores from Puerto Rico. A living
adult of the elaterid Ischiodontus anceps Cand. was found at Baltimore, Md.,
on June 30 on bananas in cargo from Guatemala. A living larva of the pink
bollwornm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saund.) was intercepted at Washington,
D. C., on August 19 in a cottonseed in, the mail from Japan. A living larva
of the Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis Muls.) was intercepted at
Hl Paso, Tex., on July 21 on a Swiss chard leaf in cargo from Mexico. This
insect was formerly known as Epilachna corrupta Muls.

Pathological interceptions of interest.~-Aphelenchoides fragariae
(Ritzema Bos) Christie was intercepted in Iris alata on September 21 and
in I. bucharica on October 6 at the Washington Inspection House in ship
ments from Netherlands. A. parietinus Bastian and Aphelenchus avenae
Bastian were intercepted at New York on October 20 in Fritillaria imperi-
alis bulbs from Netherlands. Colletotrichum orchidearum All. was inter-
cepted at San Francisco on Novenber 26, 1937, on Angraecum falcatun in
mail from Japan. This fungus has been intercepted on other genera of
orchids. Dendrodochivnm cattleyae All. was intercepted September 1 at San
Francisco on Cattleya skinneri fron Guatemala. Srysiphe polygoni DC was
intercepted on green string beans in baggage from Mexico on October 26 at
El Paso. This nildew has been intercepted.on peas from Mexico more or
less frequently. Probably the weather is more favorable for its develop~
ment during the pea season. Fabraea maculata (Lev.) Atk. was intercepted
on quinces from Italy on September 29 and October 14 at New York. Fusarium
orchidis Petch was intercepted on August 3l1.on Oncidiun splendidum end Gloe-
Osporium cattleyae P, Henn. on September 1 on Cattleya skinneri from Guato—
mala at San Fracisco. G. dendrobii Maubl. was intercepted on Dendrobiun

taurinum from the Philippines on May 19 and G. odontozglossi var. macrospora

on Odontoglossum crispua from Colombia on August 27 and on 0. erande fron
Guatemala on August 31 at San Francisco. Heterodera morioni (Cornu) Goodey
was intercepted in shipments of Freesia armstrongii and ¥F. refracta var.
chapmani corms from Japan on September 5 and 6 at San Francisco... Mosaic
symptoms on squash from Mexico intercepted on October 24 at El Paso were
similar to those described for cucunber in Miscellaneous Publication 292,
on market diseases of crucifers and cucurbits. Physalospora camptospora
Sacc. was intercepted on shipments.of Stanhopea sp. from Mexico on May 17
and 18 at San Francisco. Puecinia shiraiana Syd. was intercepted on August
31 at Buffaio on Justicia procumberis in mail from Japan. 7

mole
‘DOMESTIC PLANT, Saat

Padget in charge of whi te-fringed Beatie projec ole J. Padget has

been designated as project leader in field charge of the white~fringed
beetle control operations, with W. R. Heard as assistant. Mr. Padget has
been acting in charge of the project for the S% few Hehe elnt

Mic Grasshopper population surveyed.--The survey of the ere sonopees popu-
lation in States from the Mississippi Valley to the Pacific Coast has been
- completed and the results are being summarized for use at the conference

of Federal and State workers on the control project to be held at Omaha on
November 21 and 22. A report from the Oklahoma State Grasshopper Control
Committee states: "We consider the 1938 grasshopper control program was
very successful in Oklahoma, If it had not been for Federal assistance in
the southwestern fourth of the State, the entire cotton crop would have
.beem destroyed and much of the alfalfa seriously injured."

f Mormon cricket control work. —-Field operations for Mormon cricket
control having been completed for the season, all equipment is being hauled
and stored in Federal warehouses. Machines have been constructed and put
in use for cleaning and straightening the metal strips, having a total
length of several hundred miles, which were used as barriers against nigra~
tion of the crickets.

White-fringed beetle control activitios,--Inspectors making roadside

inspections in October found light infestations of white-fringed beetles

in Wilcox Covnty, Ala., bordering on the north of the known infested county
of Monroe in the same State. Most of the area in the vicinity of the new
infestation is timberland. Inspections in September of the vicinity of
known infested areas resulted in finding few new infestations except for
the Monroeville, Ala., area, which was widened by several miles. Spraying, .
dusting, and clean-up work has been. continued on the newly infested proper~
ties. The Alabama State quarantine was amended, effective October 20, to
include the Monroeville area.

Observations as to hxbits of white~fri ingod beetie.--Inspectors examin-
ing roads and properties in the area at Monroeville, Ala., report the fol-
lowing observations; "The soil in this section of the State is sandy, and
the slightest imprint on it can be noticed, While making inspections in
this kind of soil, it was noticed that the white-fringed beetle in crossing
the sand made a track that was quite distinct from any of the other insects.
Also, by studying these tracks, the direction the beetle was going could
be determined. In following out these tracks, quite a few beetles were
found, and it is for this reason that this type of inspection is being used
in some of the localities at this time." From Gulfport, Miss,, comes the
report ‘that energence-cazs tests show that a few of the near-Naupactus
species were still emerging in the period Septenber 12-24. The heaviest
recorded emergence consisted of 160 adults from 1 square yard at Saucier,
Miss. Adult beetles were reported scarce during the period September 12-
24 in mest of the infested areas, with the exception of Monroeville, Ala.,
where large numbers were found daily.

Sweetpotato weevil activities at harvest tine,~-Eradication measures
were emphasized in the October work on the sweetpotato weevil control project

25

carried on in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas. Taking advantage
of the harvest season, growers were urged to clean their fields immediately
after gathering the crop. Fields have yielded 36 percent of the infesta-
tions found since the project was begun in July 1937, and seed beds 51 per-
cent. It is, therefore, on these sources that the surveys and inspections
which were continued in October were predicated. The work in Georgia and
Texas was accelerated through the assignment of additional inspectors by
these States. Wild-host plants in the vicinity of Mobile, Ala., are being
eradicated by State-sponsored W. P. A, laborers. The results of the work
of the last 15 months in Texas in especially encouraging. Of the 17 infes-
tations found in 5 Texas counties in 1937, only 1 now appears to ve active.

Phony peach control work in generally infected States.--In addition
to control of the phony peach disease, which has been effected throughout

the lightly infected States, as discussed in a previous issue of the News
Letter, the project has experienced a very successful year in Georgia. All
trees found diseased in the past field season are being removed. With the
continued assistance of growers, many of whom are helping to eradicate the
diseased trees, it is believed that excellent control will be effected in
the commercial sections of that State. In Mississippi permission has been
obtained to remove peach trees from an orchard once the largest in the
State, having an original planting of 25,000 trees. The removal of the re-~
maining 6,000 to 7,000 trees will mean the removal of the largest phony
peach infestation in Mississippi. State regulatory measures are proving a
vital factor in bringing about the control of this disease. A marked in-
crease in phony trees was found in one Louisiana parish, however, which dis-
closed over 6,000 such trees this year, as compared with over 1,000) tnt 37 -
Whether this enormous increase was due to the more intensive inspection in
1938 has not been determined.

More emergency relief funds for peach—tree-removal work.--Additional
funds recently allotted from the emergency relief appropriation will make
possible the hiring of some 1,000 additional relief employees from Novem-
ber through February for the control of the phony peach disease. In Octo-
ber, 400 such employees were engaged in the removal of diseased and
abandoned peach trees in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado,
Georgia, Louisiana, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Utah,

Nursery inspection for peach mosaic disease.—-Of the 194 nurserios
of which inspections of the environs and of the budwood-source environs
were made during the last field season, it was found tet mosaic trees
were existing within the mile-radius of such nurseries and budwood sources
in the case of 2 nurseries in Arizona, 11 in California, 2 in Colorado, 7
in New Mexico, 1 in Oklahoma, 14 in Texas, and 4 in Utah,

Transit-inspection activities,--In September interceptions were nade
in 12 cities of 305 apparent violations of the Japanese beetle, gypsy noth,
and pink bollworm quarantines, which had been consizned to 4O States and
Canada. In October, 361 violations were intercepted, including infringe-
ments of quarantines relating to the white pine blister rust ond Me-ican
fruitfly. One shipment in violation of the Japanese beetle quarantine, con=
signed to the Panata Canal Zone, was intercepted and inspected at Pitts-—
burgh. Fall nursery stock shipping was reported by inspectors at most of
the stations to be unusually light.

BOGS:

Carriers cooperate in transit inspection.--An example of the excel- Wi
lent cooperation of transportation agencies was recently cited by New York —

inspectors in the case of an express carloader who, on’ checking a shipment
handled after inspection hours, found it to be a violation. From the Pitts-
burgh station comes the comment that there has been a decided decrease in
uncertified shipments accepted by both mail and express. "We have made it

a part of our job," the inspector states, “to stop the acceptance of un- |
certified material offered for shipment at the Central Post Office and the
express terminals visited on the tour of inspection. Our success has been ©
made possible by the cooperation of the receiving clerks at the mail and
express offices,"

Citrus canker eradication stepped up.--Additional emergency relief
funds recently allotted in Southern States permits employment of-up to 160
additional laborers on this project, making a total of 245. The State of
Texas is employing eight inspectors and the Federal government an equal
number. Murseries and dooryard trees in the citrus areas were inspected
without finding canker. The finding of escaped Citrus trifoliata seedlings
necessitates intensive foot-by-foot inspection of lands covered with weeds,
bushes, and grass, and the laborers take keen interest in finding and de-
stroying these small trees.

CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

Developmental changes in intestine of first-instar armyworm.--In
making blood smears fron first- and second-instar larvae of the southern

arnyworm (Prodenia eridania Cram.),J. Franklin Yeager and Sam C. Munson,
Beltsville, Md., have noted that large epithelial cells from the larval
midgut tend to appear in the smears in large numbers and usually isolated
or as groups of two or three cells. In the early part of the first instar,
the smeared gut cells are similar in form to those of the midgut in the
embryo of this insect; but, later in the first instar, the smeared cells
are similar to those of the other larval instars. This indicates that a
transformation from an embryonic to a larval type of midgut epitheliun
occurs in the southern armyworm while it is in the first instar. This
transformation usually occurs after the newly hatched larva begins to feed.

INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS

Magnesium arsenates.~-Information concerning the chemistry and in-
secticidal value of the various magnesium arsenates has been assembled by
F, E. Dearborn and published as mimeographed publication B-451. Magnesium
arsenate has been tested against about 430 species of insects. One hundred
and sixty-one references to the literature are cited.

Toxicity of commercial phenothiazine to certain insects.--L. E. Smith
has reported (Jour. con. Bnt., vol. 31, no. 5, p. 631, October 1938) that
commercial phenothiazine contains more or less material insoluble in ether.
This insoluble material is practically inert as an insecticide, whereas the
ether~soluble part is highly toxic. ;

Water extract of pyrethrum is not insecticidal.--M, S. Schechter and
H. L, Haller have reported (Soap, vol. Ie no. 11, pp. 101, 103, November
1938) that, although aqueous extracts of pyrethrum flowers are toxic to

“ . , | zi
Pati cise they are not toxic’ to Sa Pee The flowers lose about one
third of their weight when extracted by water.

. Preparation of peet for making nicotine peat.--In order to prepare
the new insecticides, nicotine peat and nicotine humate, it is necessary
to remove from the peat the inorganic base-forning elements that occur
chemically combined as solids of the organic acids present, This reoval
is accomplished by treatment with acids. ,A practical process for carrying
out this procedure on a commercial scale has been described by L. N.
Markwood (Ind. Eng. Chem., Ind,. Ed., vol. 30, no. 10, p. 1199, Oct. 1938).

, BEE CULTURE

Nectarless nectar-producing plants.--Geo. H. Vansell, of the Pacific
States Bee Culture Laboratory, Davis, Calif., recently reported a peculiar
condition found this seoson in the vicinity of Ontario, Oreg., and the ad—
jacent valley sections. He says: "I had frequently heard of alfalfa being
purple with blossoms, yet the bees being unable to do anything on it. I
had previously supposed this night be a condition of the bees; however,
this is not the case. The bees were in producing condition, as evidenced
by exanination, yet they were not obtaining honey. I have never seen more
alfalfa in the blossoming condition than was present all around Ontario,
Some of the honey producers had been feeding until recently, feeding hav-
ing been stopped not because the flow started but because of the expense
involved, The bees were hanging around the hives except during the early
morning hours when the rush for corn pollen was on. Not only was alfalfa
available in this area but also sweetclover, yellow and white, and ladino.
This was by far the best Looking area visited, yet it was the poorest one.
for honey production so far this year." Such conditions are of frequent
occurrence outside the irrigated sections and present sone of the most
baffling of the problems connected with nectar secretion. Thus, alfalfa,
a najor honey—producing plant in irrigated regions, ranks low as a nectar
producer east of the Mississippi, although it blooms profusely. Weather
conditions have been cormonly ascribed as the governing factors for this
_ Phenomenon on the assumption that the plant requires dry weather but plenty

of soil noisture to secrete freely. As a matter of fact, Vansell reports
that the rainfall for the year in the region in which his observations were

made has been above normal and that an excessive heat wave occurred during
the third week in July.

IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS

Unusual structure in a species of Bruchus.--H. S. Barber notes that
a peculisrity of Bruchus brachialis Fahreuc, not yet observed in any of the
several sinilar species examined, is often useful in the identification of
fragnentary specimens, Observations on its functions are desired. In the
" male the connecting membrane behind tne front coxae contains a brownish
invaginated "pocket" which, when the specinen is distended by osmosis, evag-
inates into a crooked finger-like papilla, the opical and posterior surface
of which seems to be very desnely but microscopically pubescent. Absence
of such sensory, or otherwise functional, development in the several other
species of bruchids exanined for this structure makes this characteristic

of special interest, but the role it may play is unknown. Living specinens

2 Sa

observed under natural conditions of courtship, probably in the flowers of
the host- plant, and proper histological research, might suggest the funetion
of the structure.

Collection of coleopterous larvae from Denmark.--A, G. Boving has
received for the collections of the National Museum about 100 vials con-

taining immature stages of Coleoptera occurring in Denmark. The material
which is authentically identified, and in some cases was definitely asso-
ciated with adults through rearing, was forwarded by J. P. Kryger of
Gentofte, Denmark, Included in the lot are some forms not previously reprew
sented in the collection of the National Museum. Many of the items are
accompanied by notes on larvak habits,

Invasion of houses by certain outdoor weevils.--Trachyphloeus bie
foveolatus Beck, a Buropean species, which has been previously recorded from |

only two or three localities in the eastern United States, was recently |
found in abundance on the porches of houses, and to a lesser extent indoors
also at Portland, Oreg., according to notes accompanying material submitted
for determination. A somewhat similar case is that of the introdyced
Japanese weevil, Calomycterus setariug Roel., which occurred by the thousands
on and in a house at Towson, Md., in 1935. The invasion of houses by cere
tain species of Rhynchophora which normally live out-ofedoors is usually
sporadic and at times probably fortuitous, but in the case of Brachyrhinus
ovatus L. the entering of buildings seems to be almost habitual, as every
summer from several to many instances are reported of this species being
found in houses, sometimes in large numbers, The combination of heat and
drought appears to be one of the factors inducing such invasions, although
doubtless there are various other causes differing according to circun-
stances and species. So far as known, all the species of weevils that enter
hous@és more or less frequently, or in large numbers, are wingless.

A Huropean muscid recorded from United States.--Two specimens, de~
termined by D. G. Hall as Muscina pabulorum (Fall.), a relatively uncommon
European species, were collected during the past fall in the vicinity of
Boston, Mass., by Richard Dow, Curator, Boston Society of Natural History,
who forwarded them to the Division of Insect Identification. This is the
first North american record for the species, It will be recalled that Mus
cina pascuorum (Mg,), another European species, was first reported from
Massachusetts in 1923. Tais species has become generally established in
northeastern North America. So far as known, all of the species of Muscina
are saprophytic. The larvae feed on decaying fruits and vegetation.

Distribution of tick parasite Ixodiphagus texanus.--The parasite I.
texanus Howard wes dessribed in 1907 from Texas as a parasite of the rabbit
tick (Ixodes) Haemaphysalis leporis-palustris (Packard) and redescribed by
Gahan in 1934 from specimens the exact source of which could not be definitely
determined. Up to tho present time the species has been reported from Texas
by Howard (1907) and again by Bishopp (1934), fron Idaho by Cooley (1934),
and from Minnesota by Larson (1937). <A recent consignmcnt to the Division of
Identification sent in by C. N. Smith, of the Division of Insects Affecting
Man and Animals, consisted of numerous specimens reared at Vineyard Haven,
Mass., in September 1938 fron nymphs of the M®bbit tick. These have been
identified by A. B. Gahan as Ixodiphagus texanus and indicate that this
species is much more widespread than has previously been supposed,

Biles

Identifications of intercepted ants from Guam.—-M. R. Smith has de-
termined 13 species of ants taken by R. G. Oakley on Guam from the Hawaii,
China, and Philippine clippers flying between California, Guan, Midway, Wake,
the Philippine Islands, and China. Hight of these species represent some of
the world's most important ant pests: Pheidole megacephala (Fabr.), Iridonyr-
nex hunilis Mayr, Monomorium destructor (Jerd.), Tetramoriun guineense (Fabr.),
Paratrechina longicornis (Latr.), Mononoriun floricola (Gli Solenopsis
genlinata subsp. rufa (Jerd.) and Plagiolepis longipes (Jerd.). The first
mentioned species was collected most often, being represented by all castes
except queens.

An unusual cynipoid reared from aphids.--Clyde F. Snith, of Ohio State
University, who has become conducting investigations on aphid parasites, re-
cently submitted for determination a large quantity of material comprising
parasites and hyperparasites that had been reared from various species of
aphids, principally in Ohio and Utah. Included were many specinens of both
sexes, from the two areas mentioned, of a cynipoid that has been identified
by L. H. Weld as Lytoxysta brevipalpis Kieffer. This species, which was de-
scribed from Fayetteville, Ark., and Forest Hills, Mass., has been known only
in the female sex. A description of the male will be published by Mr. Weld
from the abundant material reared by Mr. Smith. The male of L, brevipalpis
is remarkable in having the same number of antennal segments as the female

(13), .and in this respect appears to represent an exception among the known
Cynipoidea.

Further records for two introduced European sawflies.—_An additional
distribution record for Diprion frutetorum (F.), previously reported fron
the Niagara region and New Yersey, is Petershan, Mass., where it was taken
under trees of Pinus resinosa on July 15, July 17, and August 1, 1938. The
specimens were received from R, C. Brown, of the northeastern forest—insect
laboratory, Neodiprion sertifer (Geoff.), ancther European sawfly, has been
reported by J. S. Houser as a serious pest of Pinus silvestris in Ohio. This
species has also been taken on Pinus silvestris and P. resinosa in New Jer-
sey. The latter host shows that the sawfly is attacking native pines as
well as the introduced species, P. silvestris and P. nughus,

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