Pioneer press. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1882-19??, 1917-06-30
APHIS.


\MegOura SOlanl ana MyZuS peTSlcde.)
LirE1 HiSIORY-It is probable that this in
Sect like most aphids, passes the winter in the egg
stage These eggs are very small and hard to find
In the early spring they hatch into the nymph
This is pale green bug with dark green stripe
along the middle of the back. The head is lighter
in color, with brownish eyes. On the back the
posterior end two horn-like projections, the
wrongly called Honey tubes" The insects
wingless, and generally remain throughout life
They grow very rapidly especially in warm, moist
weather, when they may be able to produce young in
week even less. The individuals of this first
brood, known the "Stem Mothers parthen-
ogenc; that is, they produce young without being
fertilized. Indeed males produced at this
time of the year. Strictly speaking, the stem moth
without sex, they not sexualy de-
veloped females They also viviparous that is
they bring forth the young alive, and at rapid
rate One aphid of another species has been seen
to produce eight young in "a hours, and
easily find family groups consisting of single large
aphis surrounded by dozen smaller ones
her progeny. 1t is thus that the powers
of reproduction of aphids enormous. They
eagerly preyed upon by host of predaceous in
sects, among the more important of which are lady
beetles (both larvae and adults), and the young of
the lace-wnged flies, and syrphus flies. Among
higher animals the small birds. such wrens and
especially warblers, destroy immense numbers.
The common lizards, and probably toads and small
snakes efficient friends Of the growers Fungus
enemies also kill many.
From time to time wings developed on the
adults These to spread the species from plant
to plant much rapidly than is possible with
the crawling Individuals Toward winter, males and
true females produced The fertilized females
lay the winter eggs from which develop the stem
mothers of the next year. In the warm climate of
Florida, especially the southern part, however, the
viviparous parthenogenc reproduction described
ahN I,rIo11 fnl1x1 oon1, ;o%o
Observation-Disclosures emulsion is stand
ard remedy against all plant lice. To make this
dissolve one-half pound of hard soap in one gallon
of soft water and boil. Warm two gallons of kero-
(settng the dish containing it in a vessel Of
hot water is safe method), and add the boiling
hot suds to it away from the fire. Stir violently
or better, churn with force pump for few min
utes 1t should first get milky in appearance, then
creamy, and finally SOFT butter-like mass is OBJ
tained which, when cold will stick to glass with
out oiness This stock emulsion be kept for
come time. When wanted for it should be di-
luted with from 10 to 20 parts of water. IF soft
water cannot be readily obtained, soften the water
by the addition of soap, soda, borax. A dilution
of one part of kerosene emulsion to ten of water
will usually not burn the plants. However, as the
strength that plant endure depends much on
its condition of growth and the weather, it is best
to experiment little, and if the above strength
is harmful dilute it down. strength Of one to
twenty is sometimes quite effective against plant
lice.
Whale-oil soap, fsh-oil soap, in the proper
tion of pound to six gallons of water is eff
fective
Fine tobacco dust is very effective against aph-
ids if applied when the plants are wet with rain
or dew. AS in the of sprays, this should be
applied thoroughly. The finer the dust, the more
effective it will be. In order to be of any value
most contact insecticides, rvapors they give off
should be able to enter the fine breathing pores
spraces of the insects If too coarse to do this
they will be useless. The tobacco can be applied
the form of decoction. To make this, boil one