Bulletin [No. 65 (June 1924)]

GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF ENTOMOLOGY

BULLETIN 65

JUNE, 1924

OF THE
STATE ENTOMOLOGIST
FOR
ATLANTA, GEORGIA

GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF ENTOMOLOGY

BULLETIN 65

JUNE, 1924

ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
STATE ENTOMOLOGIST
FOR
1923
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Commercial Press, Inc., Atlanta

GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF ENTOMOLOGY

Organization

HON . J. J. BROWN, Chairman
Atlanta

HON . R. C. BERCKMANS Macon

HON. T. G. HUDS')N Americus

Staff

1RA W. WILLIAMS, Atlanta State Entomologist

W. W. CHASE, Cornelia Assistant Entomologist

JOHN D. MORE, Atlanta Assistant Entomologist

E. F. GROSSMAN, Thomasville Assistant Entomologist

0 . C. BOYD, Thomasville Plant Pathologist

JEFF CHAFFIN, Atlanta Chief Inspector

B. M. GADDIS, Valdosta Cotton and Tobacco Research
J. H. PRESSLEY, Fort Valley
Pecan and Peach Research

J. C. MANESS, Atlanta Field Agent (Cotton)
J. M . MOLLOY, Macon
Field Agent (Peaches)

ROY ROGERS, Bax ley Inspector (Nu rsery)

C. H. GADDIS, Reidsville Field Agent and Inspector

S. V. BROWN, Baxley Inspector (Apiary)

W. H. LEONARD, Thomasville Supt. Thomasville Station

V. C. DURHAM, Savannah Inspector (Quarantine)

W. L. NEESE, Atlanta Sect. & Treas.

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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
STATE ENTOMOLOGIST
FOR 1923
To the Honorable Members of the Georgia State Board of Entomology and the General Assembly:
WORK CONDUCTED BY THE GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF ENTOMOLOGY.
The Georgia State Board of Entomology is engaged in the eradication and control of injurious insect pests and diseases and carries on experimental and investigative work, inspection work, cotton breeding work, field test work and work in connection with the enforcement of quarantine regulations. Information on all these subjects is given out in the form of circulars and bulletins.
A few of the important things that the Georgia State Board of Entomology is doing may be classified as follows:
1. Assisting the farmers in boll weevil control, and furnishing them calcium arsenate at cost.
2. Maintaining Stations and conducting large experiments in the control of the boll weevil.
3. Furnishing the cotton growers with the best known and thoroughly tested method for controiling the boll weevil under Georgia conditions.
4. Developing the best strains of early prolific cotton, resistant to wilt, anthracnose and other diseases.
5. Maintaining an efficient Sweet Potato Inspection Service.
H. Eradicating Stem-rot of sweet potatoes and controlling Black-rot.
7. Enforcing quarantines against the Pink Bollworm of cotton, Foot-rot of sweet potatoes, Sweet Potato Weevil, Japanese Beetle, Camphor Scale, Citrus Canker,
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European Corn Borer, Gypsy Moth, Brown-tail Moth, Satin Moth, Oriental Peach Moth, Foulbrood of Bees and many other pests. 8. Maintaining an efficient Nursery Inspection Service. 9. Maintaining an efficient Parcel Post Inspection Service. 10. Maintaining an efficient Port and Railway Inspection Service. 11. Eradicating Foulbrood of Bees in Georgia. 12. Conducting Peach Experiments in the use of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, etc. 13. Maintaining an Apple Station, and conducting experiments in the use of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, etc. 14. Conducting experiments and cooperating with the growers in the control of tobacco insects and diseases. 15. Cooperating with the growers in the control of Peach, Pecan, Apple, Citrus, Grape and Fig pests. 16. Cooperating with truckers and furnishing competent Pathologist and Entomologist to assist them in controlling pests of cucumbers, melons, beans and other truck crops. 17. Assisting satsuma growers and protecting the industry by ke~ping out and eradicating dangerous insect pests and diseases. 18. Scouting the state and making a survey of insect pests and diseases. 19. Replying to thouands of letters from Georgia growers in regard to insect pests and plant diseases. 20. Identifying thousands of specimens received from all parts of Georgia.
FIELD EXPERIMENT STATIONS.
In the experimental work, the Board conducts three field test Experiment Stations on cotton, where it makes investigations, primarily in the control of the boll weevil, to determine the best seed, best cultural methods and best poison-
4


ing methods for controlling the weevil. It does extensive experimental work in the control of cotton wilt, (developing wilt resistant varieties) anthracnose and angula:rtleaf spot.
It also carries on investigative work at the Stations in developing the wilt resistant tomato and in endeavoring to determine the most effective control methods for the Mosaic disease of sugar cane.
The Valdosa Station has been devoted exclusively to Sea Island cotton but was changed the beginning of 1'924 to a Tobacco Station. Experiments have been conducted at this Station to develop early varieties of Sea Island cotton which are resistant to wilt and other diseases. Successful work has also been accomplished in controlling the boll weevil with calcium arsenate at this Station.
At the Thomasville Station in addition to cotton work, there is being carried on experiments for the control of the Mexican bean beetle and other truck crop insects and diseases.
At all three of the Stations all of the various remedies for the control of the boll weevil are tried out and tested, in order that we may let the farmers know which of them are effective.
The Board also conducts an Experiment Station at Cornelia, Georgia, devoted to the control of insects and diseases affecting apples, making extensive investigations to determine the most effective methods of control. This Station tested out the different methods of orchard fertilization and made a splendid demonstration in the development of a model apple orchard, showing how the insects and diseases of the apple can be controlled.
Cooperative work is being carried on with the U. S. Bureau of Entomology and thef Bureau of Plant Industry at Fort Valley, Georgia, in the control of peach insects and diseases. Investigations have been conducted in controlling brown rot and curculio. Excellent results have already been obtain~d and the information given to the growers.

FIELD WORK.
The Board carries on, in cooperation with a number of farmers throughout the State, cotton breeding work. to develop prductive and early maturing varieties of cotton. It also tests out in different sections of the State the different varieties which look promising, in order to determine those varieties which resist disease and are best adapted to that particular section. The results of this work are published from time to time for the benefit of the farmers.
The method that the Board recommends for the control of the boll weevil is tested out by field representatives of the Department in a large number of the counties of the State. This is done in order that the farmers may see for themselves the results accomplished by poisoning, and also that the Board may have the opportunity of checking, under all conditions, the method which 'it recommends.
The Board has one field man who makes experimental tests in regard to fertilizer for peaches and gives demonstrations and explanations as to the control and management of the peach orchard. This man gives his time to the counties most directly interested in growing peaches.
For the past several years experimental work has been carried on -in the control of pecan insects and diseases by agents of the Board. Some valuable and original information has been gained through these investigations. However, there is further need for work along this line, and the Board desires to continue the work until the results sought are obtained.
ORGANIZATION OF PLANT QUARANTINE DEPARTMENT.
Numerous complaints from growers throughout the state to the effect that they were receiving diseased and insect infested plants and nursery stock from other states, and the fact that many destructive insects and diseases not present in Georgia are playing havoc in other states and countries, forcibly impressed upon the Department the ne-
6

cessity of establishing and maintaining an efficient quarantine system whereby all diseased and insect infested material could be refused delivery in the state.

A Plant Quarantine Department was therefore estab-

lished. Competent inspectors were stationed at Atlanta,

Macon and Savannah for the purpose of inspecting all

plants and nursery stock entering the state either by boat,

parcel post or rail. Due to the small amount of money

available for this work only one man could be placed at

each station, and it was soon discovered that three inspec-

tors could inspect only a small per cent of the plants enter-

ing the state. Therefore, the activities of the inspectors

.:).

were confined principally to the interception of illegal ship-

ments of nursery stock and plants which did not have the

proper inspection certificates attached. In this manner

some valuable work is being accomplished. During one

month we returned to shippers or destroyed 166 bundles of

illegal, diseased or insect infested nursery stock destined

for Georgia points. Several very injurious insects not

known to occur in Georgia have been intercepted.

From a protective standpoint, Savannah is probably the most important station for there we have on an average of three boats a day, one-third of which are foreign. Without this protection, one of these ships could very easily bring us any day one of the several foreign fruit flies which would wipe out our peach industry; or a sack of cotton seed from some foreign port infested with the Pink Bollworm, which would ruin our cotton industry.

Atlanta, the railroad center of the state, where hundreds of express shipments of nursery stock are transferred daily is also an important station. The inspector stationed there intercepts nearly every week some injurious insect or disease which would cause thousands of dolla:t:s damage if it became established in Georgia.

We feel that the Quarantine Department is one of the most important phases of the work being carried on by the Georgia State Board of Entomology. Several of the most

7

destructive insects and diseases known to exist have not as yet been introduced into Georgia, and preventing their entry affords the horticultural and agricultural industries of the state a, protection worth millions and millions of dollars.
The Department of Entomology is desirous of increasing the scope of this work. Next season we hope to be in a position to furnish sufficient protection along tnis line and establish more stations so that every plant entering the state will be given a thorough inspection. The growers throughout the state are invited and urged to make complaints to this Department when they purchase nursery stock which does not come up to specifications.
.PARCEL-POST PLANT INS PECTION.
In order to accommodate the small grower in the state and prevent the entry of injurious insects and diseases by parGel post from other states, a Pa1cel-Post Plant Inspection System was established. All plants and nursery stock shipped within or into the state are forwarded to Atlanta, Macon or Savannah for inspection. In this manner hundreds of parcels are inspected each month. Many of them are returned to the shipper or destroyed due to their being infested or infected with some insect or disease.
The Georgia State Board of Entomology, by carefully inspecting all plants and nursery stock th~t enters the state by land or sea, renders a service of untold value to the horticultural and agricultural industries.
NURSERY INSPECTION.
The rapid development of the peach, pecan, apple, satsuma and other horticultural industries of the state has created a great qemand for nursery stock. At the present time there are 276 nurseries in the state and this number will be greatly increased by another year. A thorough inspection of these nurseries requires a great deal of time and careful work, but by so doing we protect the industri es and insure the growers of getting clean, healthy stock.
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SWEET POTATO INSPECTION.
Georgia grows more sweet potato plants than all other states combined. Over three million dollars will be brought to the state through the sale of plants this year. We have in the state over 900 commercial sweet potato plant growers and some of them bed as high as 16,000 bushels of potatoes.
In order to control and eradicate the sweet potato insects and diseases it is necessary to make three or more inspections, viz: Field, storage and plant bed. By careful inspect ions and strict regulations the State Board of Entomology has succeeded in practically eradicating sweet potato weevil and stem-rot and has reduced black-rot to a minimum
TOMATO INSPECTION.
The growing of early tomato plants for use in northern states has increased very rapidly during the last year and has proven a very profitable industry. Many car loads of plants were shipped north this year and next year twice as much acreage will be devoted to this crop.
Indiana and several other states will not admit the plants unless they have been inspected and certified as being free from disease. To accomplish this it is necessary for the Department not only to make inspections, but approve the soil selected for the beds and fix regular spray schedules to be followed during the season.
WATERMELON -CANTALOUPE INSECTS
AND DISEASES.
The Board is making a careful study of cantaloupe and water melon diseases. Since the growing of melons in this state has become a large and important industry, it is very important that the proper information be given to the people. The Board is exercising all of its energy possible along this line and we feel sure that after this year's in-
9

vestigations we will be able to give the people the necessary information for ~the absolute control of melon insects and diseases.
Our Plant Pathologist is conducting extensive experimental work on melons, testing out methods for the control of anthracnose and other melon diseases. The Board has recently issued a circular giving definite information for the control of these diseases.

BULLETINS AND CIRCULARS.

The Board issued during the year quite a number of cir-

culars and bulletins, including thousands of circulars and

posters on the best methods of applying poison for the con-

trol of the boll weevil.



CALCIUM ARSENATE.
The Board, in its work during 1923, distributed 60 carloads of calcium arsenate. During 1924 at least twice that amount will be distributed. These cars were handled in such a way that the people were able to secure calcium arsenate at their own stations at a minimum cost. Many farmers who had never heard of it or used it before bought the poison and learned its value, which created such a demand that the Board found it difficult to supply their needs. Not only the low price, which saved .the farmers of the state several hundred thousand dollars, but the lesson it taught as to controlling the boll weevil will be of untold benefit to the state in the production of cotton.
NEED OF A LARGER APPROPRIATION.
To handle all of this work, you members of the General Assembly can readily see is an immense task, which calls for a well organized and competent corps of trained Entomologists and employees. To conduct the work properly and render adequate service and protection requires a large
lO

amount of money which you have been generous to give in the past, but the many agricultural and horticultural industries which have come into prominence since the introduction of the boll weevil demand additional protection from the ravages of insect pests and diseases; this necessarily increases the work of the Department, and in order to furnish this necessary protection for the advancement of the state along agricultural lines, at least $100,000.00 will be required for another year.
I am submitting to you Auditor's Report, giving the financial statement:
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GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF ENTOMOLOGY

CASH Rl:.CEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS

JANUARY 1, 1923 TO DECEMBER 31, 1923

Balance, Jauanry 1, 1923, Prior Audit Report........$ 534.69 Check No. 2155, outstanding, not paid by
Bank, and ordered cancelled ...................................... 50.00

RECEl.PTS:

Appropriation State Treasurer..............$70,000.00 Sale of Products:
Cornelia Station ..... ................................. 1,004.22 Reidsville Station .................................... 240.48 Thomasville Station .............................. 1,181.42 Miscellane>ous Receipts: Advances on Cotton:
Hahira Station...................................... 448.78 Thomasville Station .......................... 1,300.81 Reidsville Station ................................ 926.60 Cornelia Station ................... ............... 70.97

;.,. _;:

Total Receipts ....................................................$75.173.28

Total To Be Accounted For..................................$75,757.97

DI SBU RSEMENTS:
Sa lar ies : Entomologist and Assistants..............$ 8,116.82 Inspectors, Field and Research employees ...................................................... 19,190.51 Office ............................................................ 6,508.52 - - - - $33,815.85
Traveling: Entomologist and Assistants..............$ 4,325.15 Inspectors, Field and Research employees ...................................................... 10,604.04 Board Members .................. ...................... 873.27 15,802.46
Stationery and Office Supplies...._............$ 559.62 Freight and Express .. ................................ 47.00 Bulletins and Circulars, .............. .. ........... 511.46 Postage, Telepohne and Telegraph........ 1,508.22 Miscellaneous Office Expense.................. 1,232.71 Library .............................................................. 29.50 Field Supplies ................................................ 2,434.52 Field Expenses ......................................... .... 1,494.14
7 ,817.17

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Cornelia Station Wages ............................$ 1,638.69

Seed ................................................................

3.00

Freight and Express ..........:................. 18.86

Field Expense ............................................ 84.94

Field Supplies .......................................... 2,070.79

Office Supplies .......................................... 144.48

Postage, Telephone and Telegraph.... 95.34

Miscellaneous Expense ........................ 65.02

Rent .............................................................. 197.30

4,318.42

Total To Be Accounted for Forwarded........................$75,757.97

Disbursements Forwarded ............................$61,753.90

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GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF ENTOMOLOGY

CASH RECE.IPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS.

JANUARY 1, 1923 TO DECEMBER 31, 1923.

Total To Be Accounted For Brought Forward............................$75,757.97 Disbursements Brought> Forward ................................$61,753.90

Hahira Station:

Wages ............................................................$ 1,398.30

Seed ................................................................ 65 .30

Freight and Express ..............................

2.32

Field Expense .......................................... 1,061.42

Field Supplies .......................................... 766.69

Postage, Telephone and Telegraph.... 313.15

Travel ................... ......................................... 59.13

Miscellaneous Expense ........................ 59.50

Rent ................................................................ 505.00

Office Supplies .......................................... 240.03

4,470.84

Thomasville Station:

Wages ..........................................................$ 1,5183.97

Seed .................................................. .............. 130.50

Freight aud Express ............................ 58.21

Field Expense ............................................ 1,735 82

Field Supplies ............................................ 416.61

Postage, Telephone and Telegraph... . 106.F~

Travel ............................................................ 92Lo3

Rent .............................................................. 150.00

Office Supplies .......................................... 117.13

5,620.40

Reidsville Station:

Wages ......................................................$ 1,360.04

Seed ................................................................ 32.00

Sacks ............................................................

5.20

Freight and Express .............................. 37.65

Field Supplies .......................................... 1,455.22

Postage, Telephone and Telegraph.... 58.00

Office Supplies .......................................... 10.60

2,958.71

Total Disbursements..........................................................$74,803.85

December 31, 1923, Balanc-e..................................................................$ 954.12 PROOF: On Deposit, Fulton Nationali Bank............................$00,000.00 Advances for Traveling and Station
Expenses ......................................................$ 954.12 $ 954.12
----
Balance As Above .................................................................$ 954.12

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GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF ENTOMOLOGY RECONCILEMENT OF ACCOUNT WITH
THE CITIZENS & SOUTHERN BANK, ATLANTA, GA. DECE:MBER 31, 1923.
December 31, 1923: Balance per Bank Statement.........................$616.47 Deduct : Outstanding Checks: No. 3412 .......................................... ...................................$229.24 No. 3413 ............................. ........... ................................... 166.74 No. 3416 ............................................................................ 15.00 No. 3417 .............................................................................. 38.60 No. 3419 .................................... ........................................ 75.00 No. 3420 ........................................... . ............................. 42.38 No. 3421 ............................................................................ 49.51 $616.47
December 31, 1923: Balance p er Cash Journal................................$000.00
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