The Columbus commercial. (Columbus, Miss.) 1893-1922, 1896-05-03
The Harleauin CabbaRe Bug.

The Harlequin Cabbage Bug.
This insect is by far the worst pest Of
the cabbage in the South. A native
Of a more tropical climate, probably
Mexico, It has gradually worked its way
north ward and for several years has
been very abundent in this State. With
the increase Of cabbage growing for
shipment to the early Northern markets
and to supply the home demand, there
also comes an increase in the number Of
insect pests which attack the crop, the
hardest to get rid OF being the Har-
lequin cabbage bug. The insect is so
well known as TO make description Of
It almost unnecessary. The native in
sects are nearly oval, about an inch
long, black with red markings The
young differ from these in being less
marked with red, smaller and without
wings. The insects suck the juices Of
the plants, and attacked plants at first
look as II they needed water, then turn
yellow and die. They do not form heads
If attacked to any extent
REMEnIEs.
For most insects we have various
spray mixtures and the like whereby
the insects upon plants can be killed.
But this insect sucks the juices Of the
plants and cannot be reached by tho
ordinary poisons The insects spondthe
winter under boards, etc, and during
April fly to old turnip or mustard beds.
Here they should be picked oGa
into pail containing kerosent, II upon
the mustard blossoms they are easily
brushed of into the pail with a stick.
If all are gathered in this way none viii
be left in the field to propagate the
species and the fields which would
otherwise be attacked will bo free from
these pests The insects do not fly
readily, so that II Mr.. Jones kills them
of during April in his field, but few Of
the insects will come from Mr.. Smiths
feld.-H. E. Weed, Entomologist Mis-
sissippi Experiment Station.
Sending Insects to the Experiment
Station,
From time to time various Insects are
noticed doing damage in tho garden,
upon flowers and trees, and other places.
While there is a general desire to as
certain the names OF these insects and
the means to be taken whereby they
can be killed or their numbers lessenod,
yet many do not know that al that Is
needed to ascertain any information
about insects is to drop limo to the
entomologist Of the Mississippi Expert
ment Station. By so doing farmers and
others will many time receive informa-
ton that may be to their financial ad-
vantage, and will also confer favor
upon the Station Entomologist by keep
ing him informed as to what insects are
doing special damage in particular
localities.
We now have the promise Of the
greatest fruit crop that has over been
grown. But With all these fine pros
poets there is also the promise that the
injurious insects will again claim their
ten per cent tax. mean BY this that
insects destroy on the average more
than one-tenth Of all crops. The i'm
msnse amount which this means in
Mississippi can hardly be realised BY
one who has not given the subject at
tention. Bus in the darkest gloom
there is most always q ray Of light So
It Is regarding the damage done By in
sects. BY means Of improved farm
practices. methods Of cultivation the
application Of insecticides by means Of
spray pumps, and the planting Of vari-
GUS trap crops, we are IN most all cases
enabled to greatly lessen the immense
damage done BY injurious insects
Where possible inquiries about in
sects should be accompanied by speci.
mems Of the insect doing damage, placed
in small tight pasteboard box. Post
age is only one cent per ounce. al
dress all communications and insects %
h. E. Weed. Agricultural College, Miss.