Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1918-07-24
Observation-Disclosures. .3'.3..3..f..9s.t.S.t.9.
!. THE RED SPIDER. i.
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State entomologist, Prof. Conradi, of
| Clemson College, to keep close
watch for this little pest, as it may
do much damage to the cotton. Sew
eral farmers have reported to The
Courier that much damage has been
done in different sections. The fact
of the early appearance of the red
spider Is an indication that consid-
cradle damage may be expected as a
| result Of its presence unless we have
plenty Of rain throughout the whole
season, or close watch is kept and
the preventive measures used.
Below are few questions with
answers giving a description Of the
| cotton red spider, it's habits, and
some of the methods Of control:
1. What is the red spider?
A very small, reddish, spinning
mite on the under side Of the cotton
leaves.
2. At what season are they injuri-
Gus?
| During dry weather. Keep your
eye open for them during dry wea-
ther.
3. How do know when they first
appear on cotton?
BY the infested leaves turning red
on the upper surface. If you will ex-
anime the under surface Of such
leaf YOU will notice red spiders mov-
;,,,r aLH nrl;r
blood-red spot.
4. DO they spin webs?
Yes; they work under the webs
which are hard to see at first, but
! becomes severe.
). How was the damage done?
The leaves become red all over, be-
come distorted and brittle and drop
to the ground.
6. what parts Of the plant are at
tackled?
The leaves; the lower leaves first.
!. How do they spread?
BY crawling. (They are no doubt
spread by birds, domestic animals,
and windD
s. Has the red spider natural
enemies?
insects that attack them and during
some seasons do much good.
.. What are the food plants OF the
red spider?
rhnrn IN oJ A
the most important are the violet,
poke weed, COW pea, bean. okra, wild
blackberry, jimson weed and others.
Violet and poke weed are especially
bad because they furnish winter
food
10. How is it controlled.
Keep close watch on cotton when
dry weather sets in SO that YOU will
notice the first signs. (See ques-
ton No. 3D.
Carefully burn plants showing the
sign. When large spots have become
infected use one Of the red spider
sprays.
II. What are these sprays?
Lime sulfur solution and potassium
sulfde are considered the two best
sprays.
~ How are the sprays prepared?
The commercial mixed lime sulfur
solution is the same as that used for
spraying orchards during the winter
and Is used at the rate Of one gallon
n Of
sium sulfido may be purchased at
drug stores and is used at the rate Of
three pounds to 100 gallons Of wa
ter.
sary?
For small spots a bucket pump is
sufficient. For larger areas use a
barrel pump, provided the plants are
not too large. Equip the pump With
fine noz2les-the same as for spray
ing fruit trees.
II. How much solution is required
FOR an acre?
About 100 gallons. or two barrels. |
after the spray is made up
-. How much can | spray day? |
About three acres when done care
fully.
l6. What precautions are ncccs- !
%ary when spraying?
Spray thoroughly the under sides |
OF leaves and also the nearest plants
surrounding the infested spots.
II. What is the pest procedure to |
prevent red spider?