Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-08-01
GRAIN BUGS SERIOUS PEST.
Reduce Yields Of Grain From 10 to 80
Per Cant in Infected Fields in West.

Reduce Yields Of Grain From 10 to SO
Per Cent in Infected Fields in West.
Grain bugs have increased in num-
beers so rapidly during the past rev
years that they are now a serious
menace to growing grain In the inter-
mountain and southwestern STATES
Their recent development as an econ
omic pest is due to the change from
the natural Vegetation in the western
states to cultivated plants This Is
stated by entomologists OF the depart
ment OF agriculture. This condition
has been brought about by the cult
walton OF large areas formerly devoted
to grazing. which practically ehmin-
ated many of the native food plants
and caused the insect to attack culu-
waited crops. They cause damage oy
piercing the newly formed heads Oh
cereals and feeding on the liquid con :
tents. which prevents the formation Oh
the grain and reduces It's weight ~ u
so per cent from normal.
Wheat, barley and rye are the pre-
ferred food plants OF the grain bug.
but II also feeds on other cereals and
on cabbage, cotton, peas, beans, TO-
matoes and lettuce, in addition TO
many native plants. Weather !nfIuen-
ces and the work Of parasites IN eaoh
locality where damage has occurred gen.
orally have restricted the destructive
outbreaks of grain bugs to periodic
intervals Of two or three years.
The heads Of small grains that have
been injured by this pest are conspi-
cuous in the field. especially those OF
wheat, barley, rye and oats. Soon arter
attack. and long before the normal
period of ripening is reached. the
damaged heads assume dull. yellow
ish- white color, which is sharp con-
trast to the bright green Of the I'M
damaged heads. They appear normal
IN size. but upon being crushed be-
tween the fingers are found to be
nearly. IL not entirely, empty.
In a wind or rain storm many OF
these stems are broken and the heads
fall to the ground. People not famil-
lar with the work of grain bugs fire.
guently attribute the damage which
thew cause TO hail or other weather
Influences. The grains OF affected heads
are withered and much reduced In
size and weight. Frequently the ex-
tent of the damage Is not appreciated
by the grower until the crop IS
thrashed. In extreme, cases entlre
fields Of small grain have been de-
stroyed completely.
The most effective and practical
method of control is the destruction OF
the adults while they are concentrated
in their winter quarters. This is best
ACCOMPLISHED by blowing under or
burning rubbish and weeds, particu-
larlv Russian thistle, in and about Gull
tivated fields. These control measures
should be included as a part of the
regular farm prectice. and any special
work required may be carried on dur
ing the inactive season at a time when
farm labor and equipment ordinarily
are idle. Several winters result In the
death Of q large per centase OF Inc
alternating adults and constitute one
of the most important factors In re-
stricting destructive outbreaks. Dur
ing normal winters at least IS per cent
Of the bugs survive when alternating
in protected locations. Usually AFTER
midsummer the numbers OF the insects
are greatly reduced by a tiny wasp
like parasite Of the eggs by certain
flies which are parasitic on the adult
bugs.