The Hawaiian gazette., 1909-08-06
P|NEAPPLtS NOT
HURT BY SCALE
cFrom Thursdays Advertiser,

(From Thursdays Advertiser
That the pineapple scale which has
made its appearance at Wahiawa is not
of sufficient seriousness to threaten the
industry in any way, and can in fact
be destroyed at small expense, is the
verdict of Jacob Kotinsky, superin-
tendent of entomology of the Board of
Agriculture. In his report, presented
at yesterdays meeting of the board,
Kotinsky says:
"The first three days of the month
1 spent in Wahiawa in study and OBJ
servation of the insects affecting the
pineapple plant, especially the scale
bug (Diaspis bromeliae). have travel
ed in all directions, alone and in COM
pany, afoot, on horseback or by bug
gy, and discussed the question with
many growers. Our conclusions are
that the scale bug is insignificant on
vigorous plants, it is kept well in
check by parasite which is active
principally on the males (the little,
white, keeled bodies principally on
underside of leaves); fungus was also
found attacking the scale bug; and
finally the scale bug is most numerous
where the growing conditions of the
plant are unfavorable. Nevertheless
there was concensus of opinion that
plants would be greatly benefited by
being fumigated before setting out.
This practice 1 have been recommend
ing for some time now, although no &C.
casion for publishing the advice has
presented itself.
''The fact is that although the scale
bug is widely prevalent in the pineap-
pie fields, at no time or place could
serious damage be attributed to it.
There is no danger of the scale ever
becoming a menace to the industry.
Yet in view of the comparative ease
and inexpensiveness of treatment. and
the undoubted advantage of eliminat-
ing drain upon the plants vitality,
the ACCESSIBILITY of fumigation of
plants is beyond question. The treat
ment would also kill the mealy bugs
which are rather numerous in places.
1t may not be out of place to
relate that one of the fresh pineapple
shippers in Wahiawa confirmed our OBJ
of a little over a year ago,
that fruit fumigated with strong dose
of hydrocyanic acid gas before ship
ment stands long journey better than
after any other treatment.
AT Leilehua was glad to find the
Arizona dung-fy parasite breeding. It
was taken there shortly after its in
PRODUCTION on the islands. This insect
is apparently making no impression on
the horn fly, which was thicker there
at the time than I ever saw it any
where. But the stable fly (Stomoxys
calcitrans), which is also blood suck h
ing, has been perceptibly reduced by \
this parasite.
"The torpedo bug parasite (Aphan-
'merus pusillus) was found establish.
ID in and about Wahiawa and keeping
The pest well within bounds.
''Some time ago we received by cour- Fl
resy of the Florida Agricultural Elk.
pertinent Station authorities a collec-
ton of fungi attacking white fly or /
nealy wing (Aleyrodidae) in that
State. Mr.. l.. Lewton- Brain, our hon.
'rary plant pathologist, to whom
.urned them over, reported that all
but one had died en- route. OF the
survivor he made several tubes of iso.
ated cultures and one of these we ap-
Ilied to tree infested with a similar
pest.
ga colony of horn fly enemies was
'eceived from Mr.. Koebele and turned
,ver to Mr.. Swezey of the Sugar
Planters Station for attention.
report from Territorial Veterina-
ian Norgaard, telling of what his de-
7ision has accomplished during the
'ast year, was presented and read.
The report shows the division of ami
nal industry active and general con-
iitions most satisfactory.
Forest Nurseryman laughs was E
granted a vacation of three months,
% take effect about the first of Sep
ember, at the discretion of the Super F.
ntendent of Public Works. Campbell
that Haughs has not had
vacation in years and is anxious to
'isit the mainland.
Auditor Fisher sent a communica-
ion to the board giving the list of
owest bidders on supplies needed, and
Isking that purchases be made in ae-
ordance. The communication was APP
proved and placed on file.
-s-%,s.-