Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-05
TIE FRUIT INDUSTRY

or the Potomac and Ohio Valleys in West
Virginia Threatened BY the San Jose or
Pernicious Scale.
The San jose or Pernicious Scale, one
of the worst fruit tree pests known. was
widely distributed on nursery stock
from Perry and Little Silver, New Jer-
sey, and possibly other eastern points,
between 1892 and 1895. 1t was intro
duced in this manner into number Oh
sections in West Virginia; but it APP
pears from recent observations that
there is only limited area in the State
where there is serious danger Of its be-
coming established. All Of that portion
of the State including and lying west
of the Allegheny mountains which eX-
ceeds an elevation of 600 feet above
tide. and that portion east Of the noun
tains exceeding an elevation Of f500
feet. will doubtless be exempt from
serious damage by this pest. But that
portion lying below these elevations,
owing to favorable climate conditions
is in danger of becoming invaded by it.
Fspecially is this so in Berkeley and
Jefferson counties, and in the counties
bordering on the Ohio river. In these
counties every tree or shrub coming
from eastern nurseries, or purchased
of an agent and set out since 1882
should be carefully examined by owners
cf such trees. or by some one IN each
neighborhOod: and if the bark on any
part of the plant has dirty appearance,
as if covered with fly specks, or any
other unnatural condition Of the bark
is found. indicating the presence or the
scale. specimens should be sent at once
to the Experiment Station for identiti-
cation.
This insect will infest all kinds Of
shrubs and trees and even herbaceous
plants. It is therefore plain, that if it
is allowed to spread from the trees upon
which it was introduced and becomes
established on wild shrubs and forest
trees, its eradication will be impossi-
bic.
A strong effort is being made by hor-
ticulturists and entomologists to secure
national legislation to prevent further
distribution of the pest on nursery
stock. Therefore, in order to derive
the full benefit CT such legislation,
every locality in which it has been al
ready introduced must be determined,
and every effort made to eradicate 1t
before it gets beyond control.
This is a matter of vital importance
as bearing upon the future of the fruit
industry of the counties mentioned;
and should claim the earnest attention,
not only Of every fruit grower, but
every philosophical person within the
threatened sections. 1t is also sub
iect in which the Experiment Station
can render valuable service, both in
identifying the true San Jose Scale
from q number of other common scale
insects, and in giving information with
reference to the best methods Of Grad
icating it. If the fruit growers will do
their part in carefully examining their
trees, and sending us specimens Of
bark or twigs infected with anything
resembling a scale insect, we will do
our part in identifying the specimens
and giving information, and when nee
essary will visit infested orchards and
give personal instructions in the appli-
cation of remedies.
A. D. HOPKINS. Entomologist,
W. Va. Ayr Expt. Station.
Morgantown, w. va.
April 1st, 1897