Grasshoppers and Crickets

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Soil and Drainage

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Letter from Herbert Osborn

Letter of recommendation for E. D. Ball

The San Jose scale.

Although this dreaded pest is not known to occur at any point in Iowa, it seems essential to bring it to the attention of all interested in fruit trees, forest and ornamental shrubs. Early in the season we issued a press circular calling attention to the imminent danger of its introduction (if not indeed already present but unnoticed) especially since it has been found in very serious abundance in the adjacent states of Illinois and Missouri

Corn insects. Their injuries and how to treat them.

The corn crop is one of the most important crops of the state, and will doubtless remain so for many years to come. It is, therefore, of importance to know something of its insect enemies and the method of treating them. From the nature of the injuries to corn, particularly on account of the difficulty of any direct examination of some forms, and the difficulty of making any exact estimate, their injuries are, I think, very generally under-estimated. Probably the most serious losses come from those working under ground, the injuries of which are to be found simply in the lessened crop, and which consequently pass unnoticed by most farmers. At times the destruction of seed in the ground by wire worms, or injury to the newly sprouted plants by cut worms, wire worms or sod worms, which necessitate replanting, attract general attention. Sometimes, also, the general destruction of the crop by the corn root worm is noted, but when any or all of these insects simply destroy undeveloped plants or parts of plants, or when there is a gradual drain upon the growth of the plant, as occurs from the presence of the root lice in corn fields, it is naturally unnoticed, and the shortage in the crops is.charged to other agents

Effects of spraying on plants and fruit and notes on insects

There are a few considerations regarding spraying and its effects upon plants and fruit, that it seems important to bring before the people of the state, notwithstanding their familiarity to many readers, and the fact that most of the matter to be presented has often been repeated in various publications, and much of it in one form or another in previous bulletins of this station. The fact that this bulletin may be read by several thousand people who do not have access to previous bulletins of the station is, perhaps, sufficient reason why the repetition is justified. There is no question that spraying with too strong preparations of the arsenical poisons and also with kerosene emulsion will injure plant life, and certain plants are much more susceptible to their influence than others. The injury here referred to is that which becomes observable within a few days after application and which becomes apparent from spotting, withering and falling of the leaves. It is asserted by some, however, that even where there is no immediate injury, that the poison is absorbed by the tissues of the plant, a slow poisoning is induced and the leaves fall earlier than they should, and that in a year or two the tree or vine may die. The experience with spraying has now extended over many years, and if this were true in any large degree, we certainly should have abundant evidence of it ere this, and it does not seem reasonable to oppose spraying on this ground

Report of experiments and studies in entomology

During the past season we have given especial attention to grass and clover insects, the importance of which, in this State, need not be emphasized. Other studies of insects affecting potatoes and rape have been made because of their immediate interest, those on the Potato Stalk Weevil being published in this number. Some of the insects affecting rape were mentioned in a preceding Bulletin, and it is hoped that further matter may be presented in the next number, along with some details of studies on Leaf Hoppers, the present number being already crowded. The work on the Clover Seed Caterpillar has been so largely performed by Mr. Gossard, and that on the Potato Stalk Weevil by Mr. Sirrine, that it appears under their respective names. I have been assisted in the details of experiments with Leaf Hoppers, especially by Mr. Gossard, and am indebted to him for careful attention to the work as planned

Some insects destructive to grass

There is probably no greater loss from insects in the state of Iowa than that which occurs in meadows and pastures and while the loss is not so conspicuous as in some crops because of its insidious nature and the fact that it is only occasionally that the whole or a large part is taken, it is only necessary to note that the half or probably more of the growth of grasses is devoured by insects regularly to realize that there is here an enormous drain on this crop. This loss becomes conspicuous in dry years or when the insects greatly multiply and it is generally believed that in such years some conditions favor the great multiplication of insects, but this is largely due to the fact that at such times their work becomes apparent, while in ordinary seasons the natural growth of the grass is able to keep up and the plants appear fresh in spite of the drain they sustain. It is easy to see, however, that they must support this horde of insects and if the insects were not there this would go to making hay or to feeding stock in pasture