The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1919-09-26

entomology OnlIeu NldJeS btpdi u
ment of Agriculture. has devised a
calendar of safety, which, if adhered
TO by grain growers in the fall seed
ing of their wheat, will operate as
effective controls against tne infesta-
ton and propagation of the Hessian
fly
Many Flies This Year.
The Hessian fly is methodical ma
rauder which works at regular inter
walls. although sporadically. There
was no important fly outbreak in
1917 or 1918, but the fact that there
is an abundance of these flies this
year brings a warning to farmers to
exercise care not to plant wheat until
the period of safety for planting in
their locality has arrived. The last
important outbreak of the Hessian
fly in this country occurred during
the period from 1914 to 1916, inclu-
sive.
Late sowing is recommended, but
not too late sowing, as the latter is
as disastrous in its ultimate results
as rs too early sowing. Uncle Sans
grain-disease doctors say that the safe
date in time of normal rainfall
usually comedies, in any one locality,
with the preferable time for sowing
to bring maximum yield.
to bring maximum yield. For ex-
ample: in Kentucky October 10 to
II are safe dates for seeding.
Local Conditions Affect Dates.
These times which Uncle Sam sug-
gests as safe-seeding dates are only
approximations and show in general
way about the time when the fall!
generation of the fly disappears in
the different parts of the country.
All of these periods of safety are
largely dependent on the altitude,
latitude, longitude, as well as local
conditions, in each area under con-
sideration. The safe GATE of seeding
often varies in a broken and hilly
country, and even Oh different fields
OF the same farm there is variation
between the calendar operations OF
TIE Hessian fly. \ "A rule the pest
( ODDS out longer on the southern slope
of the hill and hence the Sdfe-Sced-
ing period is later, while it is earlier
IN the northern slope of the sHme hill
-. the same eleyatioa, as at such "A
point the generation of flies succu"sbs
. earlier
Fortunately the majority of the fall
generation of Hessian flies appear
ana develop rapidly within a week OF
50. This makes it possible for grain
growers to regulate their winter
wheat-sowing operations so as tc
avoid loss and damage from the tly
There is no remedy or succor for the
whoat crop once it Is in the passes
sion of the fly. Considerable losses
to the current winter wheat crop iron
the Hessian fly have already been re
ported from the Shenandoah anC
Cumberland Valleys. Straw-faller
wheat due to this cause has been oh
served commonly in these regions b!
the United States Department OF Agrl
culture. and the percentage OF intes
tatiOn has increased very materiall.
during the past year. Reports re
ceived from the western hall oil TN
Mississippi Basin also indicate in
creased abundance of the pest.
Preventative Measures Given
Growers of winter wheat are ad
viscd to practice Immediate contru
measures advocated by the depart
ment experts. The following eigh
cardinal control measures, il rigorous
Iy enforced and adhered to by ever
grain owner. will prevent the intro
duction and spread of the pest
DO not SOW wheat ON stubble
possible TO avoid il.
Plow under all infested stubble an
ruined wheat whore practicable 500
after harvest, especially where thi
does not interfere with the GROWN
of clover and forage grasses.
Destroy all volunteer wheat by han
rowing. disking, blowing, or Other
wise.
plow all winter wheat land as earl