The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1909-08-05
P|NEAPPLES NOT
HURT BY SCALE
EntomoIogist Reports on Trip
of inspection to
MahiaWa.

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:
t'The first three days of the month
/ spent in Wahiawa in study and OBJ
seryation 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 a 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 I have been recommend
ing for some time now, although no oc-
casion for publishing the advice has
presented itself.
ssThe 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 advisability of fumigation of
plants is beyond question. The treat
ment would also kill the mealy bugs
which are rather numerous in places.
cit may not be out of place to
relate that one of the fresh pineapple
| shippers in Wahiawa confirmed our OBJ
servation of little over a year ago
| that fruit fumigated with strong dose
of hydroeyanic acid gas before ship
ment stands long journey better than
after any other treatment.
| T,ai1ahua uyoS rPIad &a Hp5 &hc
Arizona dung fly parasite breeding. II
( PRODUCTION on the islands, This insect
is apparently making no impression on
the horn fly, which was thicker there
at the time than / ever saw it any,
where. But the stable fly (Stomoxys
calcitrans), which is also blood suck
ing, has been perceptibly reduced by
| this parasite.
tThe torpedo bug parasite (Aphan
| ornerus pusillus) was found establish
ed in and about Wahiawa and keeping
the pest well within bounds.
"Some time ago we received by cour.
tesy of the Florida Agricultural Elk
pertinent Station authorities collec.
ton of fungi attacking white fly OF
mealy wing (Aleyrodidae) in that
State. Mr.. L. Lewton-Brain, our hon
orary plant pathologist, to whom ]
turned them over, reported that all
but one had died en- route. Of the
| survivor he made several tubes of iso.
lated cultures and one of these we ap-
| piled to tree infested with a similar
pest.
GA colony of horn fly enemies was
received from Mr.. Koebele and turned
over to Mr.. Swezey of the Sugar
Planters Station for attention.
A report from Territorial Veterina.
rian Norgaard, telling of what his de
vision has accomplished during the
past year, was presented and read
The report shows the division of ami
NAL industry active and general con
| ditions most satisfactory.
Forest Nurseryman Haughs was
granted a vacation of three months
to take effect about the first of Sep
TENDER, at the discretion of the Super
intendent of Public Works. Campbell
explained that Haughs has not had a
vacation in years and is anxious to
| visit the mainland.
| Auditor Fisher sent a c0mmunica-
ton to the board giving the list of
lowest bidders on supplies needed, and
asking that purchases be made in ac-
cordanee. The communication was ap.
| proved and placed on file.
|