VEGETABLE PESTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 21 June 1926, Page 8

VEGETABLE PESTS

When cabbages arc infested wit.li apliia and caterpillars the tobacco spray is effective in destroying both pests. French beans arc particularly subject to attack by red spider. These minute pests infest the under surface of the leaves, causing them to become dry and

!:>• less. 'I I person's whose eyesight in not keen they are,invisible without the aid of a pocket, lens or magnifying glass. Tlirip? and their larvae are also found upon the leaves of many plants, producing effects similar to the red spider. Many gardeners rely upon frequent syringing of the foliage with wat0' for keeping these pests in cheek, but spraying with tobacco solutions, kerosene or ben/,pie emulsion is to be leeommcnded. Sulphur is one of the best remedies for red spider ami all pests of the mite family, and the prepared form of lime sulphur is particularly effective. Rutherglen hug, leafhoppers, and similar pests are difficult to deal with. They are found upon the stems and leaves of tomatoes, potatoes, dahlias, and other succulent, plants, from which they suck the sup. causing the plants to shrivel and die. They will llv in clouds before tile spray pump, and are not injured hv Hie insecticide used, although kerosene or benzole emulsions or tur water are valuable' deterrents.' Where they are very troublesome an effective method is to draw a. shallow vessel containing the water and a little kerosene between the rows of plants, while a second person, with a small bough or heater, • disturbs the plants irom behind, when many of Che insects will fall into the kerosene mixture.*