The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1920-07-02
FARM NEWS
(By County Agent Roy l. Coplen.)
Wheat Scab

Some fields of wheat are badly af-
fected with scab. In some fields, only
the top glumes are affected, while in
others, the whole head is affected
Where the glumes are affected, the
kernels are caused to shrink and hence
the yield is decreased and the quality
of the grain is lower.
A second crop of wheat should not
follow wheat that has been affected
with scab. If this is necessary, how
ever, the stubble of the first crop
should be burned to destroy as much
Of the scab as possible.
Wheat Joint Worm
The wheat joint worm which causes
great loss to wheat growers, can be
controlled if proper methods are used.
These fields where the wheat is in
tested with the worm should be plow-
ed early and deep soon after the wheat
is removed. This method of control
should not be used, however, where it
will interfere with the growing of clo-
yer and forage grasses which are nee
essary in maintaining the filth of the
soil
IL ClONSl VI Illc SOWHy VI llic
wheat stubble is left on the ground
where the wheat is infested with the
joint worm, care must be exercised in
selecting fields to be sown to wheat
Although the adult insect in this form
does not injure the wheat, it must be
considered in controlling the larva
stage. AS soon as the adults emerge
from the old stubble, they start in
search of growing wheat, and al
though apparently they are not strong
f1iers, they may be carried mile or
more by the wind, which is the chief
agency in scattering them. A space
of few hundred yards, therefore, be-
tween an old stubble field and grow
ing wheat is no protective barrier
whatever.
The wheat joint worm does not at
tack any crop other than wheat.
Use Carbon Bisulphide.
If cowpeas or soybeans are to be
kept over until next year on ac-
count of lack Of rain preventing them
from being planted, they should be
protected from grain weevil by the
use of carbon bisulphide. Also,
threshed wheat that is to be kept for
any length of time. especially if lit
tie damp when threshed. should be
safe-guarded against the weevil by
the use of carbon bisulphide.
Carbon bisulphide is a clear liquid
with a very disagreeable odor, and
when exposed in shallow dish, it
quickly evaporates, like gasoline, and
its fumes, being heavier than air, set
tie down and through the grain, kill
ing all the insects with which they
come in contact. For bin ten feet
long, ten feet wide and ten feet high,
one should pan on using from one to
three or four pounds, or pints, of the
liquid. If the bin is tight along the
sides and bottom, one or two pounds
will usually be sufficient, but if the
bin is very open, it will take more ma
terial. The material should not all be
put in one dish but should be distrib-
uted around on the surface of the
grain in several Dishes. This will
hasten the EVAPORATION and distribute
the fumes more thoroughly through
the grain. Simply sprinkling the Ii
quid on top of the grain is not ad-
visable as it leaves a slight deposit
which is avoided when distributed in
dishes. A canvas should be thrown
over the top of the bin, especially DUR
ing windy weather. The only precau-
ton to take in connection with the use
of carbon bisulphide is to keep fire
away from it, as it is explosive. The
termination of seed may be affected
if too much of the material is used.