Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1888-07-06
INJURIOUS INSECTS.
How to Destroy Curculo and squash Bags
and Cabbage Butterflies.

ohusetts Horticultural Society. Prof
C. II. Fernald, PL. D., of the State
Agricultural Society, read paper on
"Injurious Insects" from which the
following extracts are taken:
The plum curculio has long been a
great annoyance to fruit growers. II
all who cultivate plums would per-
sistently follow up tho old remedy Of
jarring the trees and destroying tho
beetles which fail on the white cloth
underneath, this unanimity of action
would reduce their numbers and dam
ago to minimum; but where shift
less. thriftless, worthless ncighbors
allow them to multiply without him
drance. it is impossible to suggest any
eff,ctual rcmcdy. Undoubtedly it
will be Of great advantage to allow
chickens to run under the trees, for
they will destroy many of those that
fall; but your negligent neighbors
will continue to furnish an ample sup
ply. Some entomoiogisis are very
sanguine that Paris green will destroy
the curculio if sprayed on the plum
trees as soon as the petals fall. It is
reported that where alternate trees
in tho same row or orchard have been
sprayed, those treated with Paris
green were not attacked, whilo those
not so protected were badly infected
Tho common squash bug docs not |
consume the surface of the leaf. but
forces its tubular parts through the
epidermis and draws its food from tho
inside of the leaf, and is not affected
by posons on the surface. Pyrethum
has been found excellent 1t may DO
used as powder, anil busted on by
means of bellows, or in solution in
water, which is most economical and |
efficient. The bulk of the powder is
dissolved in the water. to which il at
once imparts its insecticido principle.
No stirring is necessary, but it should
be applied in very fine spray; tho
finer tho more economical is its use,
and the greater tho chances of its
reaching all tho insects. 1t must be
used when first mixed. for if allowed
to stand it gradually loses its power.
Pyrethrum is also an excellent in
seclicdo for tho cabbage butterfly, all
kinds of plant lice. flea beetles. lhrips
on rose bushes and grape c-vinos, and
many other insects. but il is liablo to
be adulteratcd, aud ono should be
very careful TO purchase only that
which is pure. 1t has tho great adj
vantage of being harmless to man and
the domestic animals and may be
used with impunity when Paris green
or London purple would require great
caution. Half an ounce stirred in two
gallons of water was sufficiently strong
TO kill any ordinary naked caterpillar
when showercd on it, but was not
strong enough to kill the most hardy
of such rs are protected by q dense
hairy covering.
The rose beetle Is common post,
and feels on so many different plants
as TO make it much more roublosome
than If it confined its attacks to one
plant alone If they infest n plant on
which it is safe TO use Paris green, this
will be most oil'cctual romedy; else
where pyrothrum may bo used
To destroy currant worms and slurs
o1.roso bushes and pear trees. and in
faG; the larva of any saw flies, dis
so9ys an ounce of powdered hellibore
in little warm water and then dilute
it with two gallons of water and spray
on the bushes. Paris green could be
used in spray on ornamental and
shade trees for any saw-hy larvD
which might injurc them.
Another very valuable insecticidc Is
the kerosene oil emulsion. made of
two parts of kerosene and Que part of :
milk, either sweet or sour but sour is
preferable. Mix these in pail or
tub by continually pumping with q
force pump through the spray nozzle
back into the pail. In short time
I, ho Epui1, unifn aud form, a ornny,,,