The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1912-08-02

lHty DeSaQ tHelT dltdCh upon lAo
young corn. The feeding takes place
near the bud, where the blades are
tenderest, and as the leaves unfold
they are badly ragged and shredded.
If the pest is given time it will de-
YOUR the young corn almost to the
ground. Apparently the season that
infestation occurs mainly in bottom
lands, is, viz, that in such fields plant
ing was necessarily late, so that at
the time of the arrival of the cater
pillars such corn was young and very
tempting.
As the stalks become taller and
tougher the worms desert them in
search of greener food. but by that
time the stalk has suffered so severe
| ly that in most cases it will die. No
severe damage has yet been reported
IN corn shoulder high, while mature
corn seems absolutely immune to the
pest.
This is tbe first season that the
"fall army worm" has been known to
be really threatening to field crop.
Naturally, therefore, neither the plan
ter or the entomologist has before
| been cup against the precise situa-
/ ton which confronts the farmer at
the present time. On the other hand,
the planter needs not be too greatly
alarmed, since he has it entirely with
in his power to control-if not COM
pletely eradicate-this pest upon his
lands. Every mans problem becomes
his own and now is the time to act.
Must Use Poison.
In order to check or to control the
ravages of the 'fall army worm" the
use of arsenical poisons must be re-
sorted to. This poison may be en-
ployed in several forms and applied
in various manners. Arsenatee of lead
is preferable, since it does not injure
the foliage and adheres better to the
surface. It may be applied either as
a dry powder or as liquid spray.
Paris green is lust as effective, but
must be applied with greater care lest
it burn the leaves. If Paris green is
to be used wet it must be mixed with
an equal amount of lime and diluted
at the rate of one pound of poison to
$50 gallons of water. furthermore,
this solution must constantly be STIR
red and agitated to keep it from set
tlins, or otherwise the liquid taken
from the top of the receptacle will be
too weak and that from the bottom
much too strong.
If possible to obtain it, arsenate Of
lead should be used, since it will re-
quire less caution in applying, will ad-
here longer and is not injurious to
the plants. In using arsenate Of lead
| it should be miXed.at the rate of five
pounds to 100 gallons and may be ap-
piled by means of spray pump, or
Iif a pump is not at hand the solution
may be sprinkled on by means of a
flower sprinkler or shaken on by a
whisk-broom.
Probably the easiest and quickest
method of poisoning the "fall army
worm" is the so-called pole method.
This method is used commonly
against the cotton leaf worm,' with
perfect success, and will be just as
effective against the present pest. The
following description of the pole-and-
bag method will enable anyone to
treat his field with little trouble and
small expense. A pole is taken long
enough to reach from one crop row
Ito the next. At each end. is fastened
bag of porous clo>n With a bottom
Iore fcct wide and holding about one
half Teck. These are filed either
with dry Paris green, dr' London pur-
1,le or powdered arsenate of lead, and
the apparatus is carried on horseback,
through the fields, dustiag two rows
at once. The soaking caused by the
motion Of the animal going at a brisk
walk CT at trot is sut!icient to dust
the plants thoroughly. The appiica-
ton should, if possible, be made in
early morning or late evening, when
the dew causes the poison to adhere
better to the foliage. From one to
two pounds are required to the acre,
and from 10 to 20 acres are covered
in day.
Tn Corn Fields.