The midland journal., 1917-08-24
PROTECT THE GRAIN FROM
WEEVIL

College Park, Aug 23.-It is difficult
to estimate the loss each year from
what is generally known to the farmer
as "weevil" Not only is the actual
feeding value lost in infected grain,
but the presence of weevil, especially
In wheat, regardless of how little the
damage always cuts the grade one or
two points.
And now that the heavy rains of the
summer have caused much wheat to
sDrout in the shock, or mold where it
was hauled into the barn too wet or
green, the determination of the weevil
is one other precaution that. must
needs be taken to conserve the small
amount thus saved. Weevily wheat is
not good feed, it is not good for -four,
and it isn't good for seed.
In the work of controlling granary
pests Prof e. N. Cory, of the Ento-
mology department of the State Agri-
cultural College has issued circular
in which the Carbon Bisulphide
Method of control is thoroughly ex-
planned.
The term ''weevil." as used, is a
general name for large number of
insect pests that attack stored grain
products. But It is probably the
Angoumois moth that does the great
est damage, often working through as
much as 80 per cent. of the grain IN
the bin. The eggs of this fawn col
ored moth are deposited in masses be-
tween the kernels of corn or wheat
in the shock or in the granary and
from enter the grain and feed within.
When ready to pupate, they cut their
way to the outside shell leaving only
the outside membrane over the exit
hole. The moth, when 1t emerges from
the pupa case. easily breaks this
M3mbrane and emerges from the
ain to produce another genera
ton Of insects. If conditions are favor
able many generations are produced in
a year.
Fumioatlon with Carbon BlsuIphIde
has proved the most effective method
of control.
Carbon Bisulphide or Dfsulphide is
a slightly yellowish liquid having a
very disagreeable odor (about the
same as that of a rotten egg) due to
impurities. It is highly volatile, that
is, evaporates quickly, and produces a
gas heavier than air and very inhan-
mable.
How To Use Carbon BlsuIphIde.
Carbon Bisulphide should be used at
the rate of to pounds per 1000
cubic feet of space in the granary or
per every 100 bushels of grain to be
fumigated. The outside temperature
should be about 20 degrees at the time
of fumigation for best results.
If the grain is in a room that Is
capable of being closed tightly, the
liquid may be exposed in shallow pans
above the grain, on saturated pieces
Of burlap or 1t can be poured into the
pile through piece of pipe.
II tight room is not available the
grain may be covered with tafpaulin
or a piece of canvass and the Carbon
Bisulphide exposed beneath it.
The greatest care should be used in
regard to fire. Never carry lighted
lantern, pipe or cigar into a barn
where Carbon Bisulphide fumigation
is in progress.
The exposure should last for S6
hours The fumigation should be re-
peated after an interval Of two weeks.
Shovel the grain over after each
fumigation SO as to air it and prevent
the collection of moisture and possible
subsequent heating.
Where directions are followed there
Is no chance for human poisoning as
! the Carbon Bisulphide evaporates COM
pletely.
Carbon Bisulphide can be purchased
from almost any drug store in small
quantities or from any chemical sup
ply house. In large amounts 1t may
be secured from L. R. Taylor. Penn
Van, N. Y, or the Independent Chemi-
cal Company, 72 Front street, New
York City.
Should further information be de-
sired 1t can be had by addressing Prof.
e. N. Cory, College Park. Md.
eunnr pAerIlRE HITS TWO WAYS.