Abstract
MB. A. M. MASSEE, of the East Mailing Research Station, is to be congratulated on his simple methods for early detection of epidemics of certain insect pests of fruit trees (Ann. Rep. East Mailing Research Sta., 1931, pp. 78–80). For example, attacks of eater-pillar, aphis, or sucker can be detected if twigs from trees in various parts of the orchard are caused to produce growth early by placing them in water in a warm place. The growing spurs reveal the presence of pests which would not be recognisable in the ordinary way until the natural tune of bud break. It is also possible to spray black currant bushes against big bud mite at the most effective moment, namely, just when the mites are migrating. A few affected branches are placed in a jar containing sand and water in the open; daily observation with a hand lens will show when the mites appear on the outsides of the buds, and so will also indicate when spraying should be performed. The idea will help materially to raise horticulture to the status of a more exact science.
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Detecting Insect Pest Attacks. Nature 130, 505 (1932). https://doi.org/10.1038/130505a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/130505a0