The grape root-worm [Fidia viticida] with special reference to investigations in the Erie grape belt from 1907 to 1909.

Front matter

(xT Jib U * S * DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,

BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY— BULLETIN NO. 89.

L. O. HOWARD, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau.

Preface

The grape root-worm, the subject of the present report, is an insect which during the last ten or fifteen years has attracted much attention on account of its ravages in vineyards along the southern and eastern shores of Lake Erie, comprising in general the grapegrowing territory of northern Ohio and the Erie and Chautauqua grape belts of Pennsylvania and New York, respectively. American varieties of grapes, exclusively grown in the above-mentioned regions, have heretofore been singularly free' from insects attacking the roots of the plant. The Phylloxera, so destructive to the roots of vinifera varieties in Europe and in California and elsewhere in the United States where these are grown, fortunately does not seriously injure varieties of American grapes. The grape root-worm, however, has come to be recognized as the most serious of the two hundred or more species of insects in the United States which feed directly or indirectly upon our native grapes.

The destructiveness of the insect in the Erie grape belt in the general neighborhood of North East, Pa., led, through the representations of prominent vineyardists, to a provision by Congress for an especial investigation of the pest by the Bureau of Entomology. This work was begun in the spring of 1907, and a laboratory was established at North East, Pa., which place has been continued as headquarters during the years 1908 and 1909. During the latter two years, by contract entered into between the Hon. James Wilson, Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Hon. N. B. Critchfield, secretary of agriculture of the State of Pennsylvania, the investigation has been in cooperation with the office of the state zoologist of the Pennsylvania department of agriculture. The work has covered a wide range of investigations, including a thorough inquiry into the life history and habits of the insect, large-scale experiments, with remedial measures, and the demonstration of the effectiveness of measures known to be of value, including the renovation and improvement of young and old vineyards already seriously injured.

Mr. Fred Johnson has been in immediate charge of the field work during the entire period of the investigation, and was assisted in 1907 by Messrs. W. B. Wilson and P. R. Jones, the former engaged in field work and the latter in life-history studies. During the years

1908 and 1909 Mr. A. G. Hammar was detailed to the grape root-worm investigation and devoted his attention particularly to life-history studies, assisted by Mr. E. Selkregg. Prof. H. A. Surface, state zoologist of Pennsylvania, assigned, as a representative of the Pennsylvania department of agriculture, Mr. F. Z. Hartzell during 1908, and Mr. H. B. Weiss during the year 1909. These gentlemen assisted in field operations and rendered most efficient service, contributing much to the success of the investigation. In the present report Mr. Johnson has prepared the manuscript detailing results of field experiments and Mr. Hammar the manuscript detailing results of life-history studies, and most of the illustrations.

The results obtained by this study, as detailed in the subsequent pages, will, it is believed, furnish entirely practicable and economical measures for the control by vineyardists of this serious insect pest. It is essential, however, in order that satisfactory results may be secured, that the recommendations given be followed in a thorough and timely manner.

The authors desire to express their thanks to the following vineyardists of North East, Pa. : Mr. George Blaine, Mr. W. S. Wheeler, Mr. R. Davidson, Mr. W. E. Gray, Mr. H. S. Mosher, and Mr. A. I. Loop, for their direct assistance in the conduct of this investigation by placing large blocks of their vineyards at the disposal of the Bureau of Entomology for several seasons and assisting in conducting experiments thereon. They also wish to thank the large number of vineyardists whose interest in the work during its progress has been a source of inspiration and gratification to them throughout this period.

A. L. QUAINTANCE,

In Charge of Deciduous Fruit Insect Investigations.

Contents

Tage.

Introduction 9

History 10