The Nevada County picayune., 1917-12-13
SAN JOSE SCALE
 AND ITS CONTROL
Hundreds of Acres Of Orchards Are Killed Yearly By This
 Insect
J. s. Knox, Hortlcultncisl. Extension

J. s. Knox, HortiCulturist, Extension
 Division, University O. Arkansas,
 Possibly there is no other insect that has done, and is still doing, more damage in the orchards of Arkansas than Is the San Jose Scale It is also true that this insect has been the subject of great deal of discussion, yet it remains a fact that there are still hundreds of acres of orchards that are being killed by this insect. thousands of dollars are lost annually because of it and the majority of peo- pie still do not know what the insect is like.
 The scale is q small yellow louse which spends the winter in the half grown stage beneath the tiny gray scales which may completely cover the body of the tree. Soon af5er the spring opens and the weather be comes warm these insects which have passed the winter successfully reach the adult stage when thousands of young ones are born The young scales crawl about on the body of the tree for a short time until they either perish or find suitable location. If favofably located the tiry beak or pro- bosis is inserted into the soft tissue Of the tree and the scale begins to feed upon the sap of the tree. Scales never change their position after be- coming established and shortly after establishing themselves q small scale begins To form over their bodies. It is believed that in the South there are four or five broods every year It usually requires only three or four years for the insect to kill tree. Some may live longer but do not bear profitable crops of fruit. Trees attacked by the insect usually make a very poor growth, the body turning an ashy gray color owing to the nu merous insects which cover it and generally, especially in peach trees, the tops and tips of branches will die while vigorous young shoots will come out on the lower portion of the tree If the tops are killed and these young sprouts appear there is still a chance to make a useful tree. Cut off the dead portion and spray thoroughly with the lime sulphur solution. It is only a question of a few years until all states will be quarantined so that no fruit or fruit trees having scale can be shipped into them. Several states have such law now, but pos sibly few of them are enforcing 1t. ,. tN .t,, after 1t right. The solution must, however, be applied during the winter or dormant season since it is strOng enough to do great damage to young leaves or fruit. If the best results are to be obtained 1t is absolutely es- sential that the orchardist know the exact strength of the solution and that 1t is strong enough. In order to be able to avoid costly mistakes every orchardist must equip himself with lime sulphur hydrometer which can be purchased for about dollar. This instrument will en- able one to know the exact strength of the solution which he is using The solution should test about 4.5 degrees at a temperature of so degrees F. when ready to apply for scale. The following table is taken from Farm CTS Bulletin No $50, which may be obtained by writing to the Extension Division of the University of Arkan- sas, Fayetteville.
 TABLE NO. 1.
 DiIutjon Table For Concentrated Limo Sulphur Solution.