Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 198, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 August 1916 — STAMP OUT THE FLY [ARTICLE]

STAMP OUT THE FLY

“Three things are necessary in waging a successful warfare against the Hessian fly, viz.thorough preparation of the soli, so as to form the best possible conditions for germination; heavy fertilization, If the soil is not already in good condition so as to Insure a quick and rapid growth; and late sowing so as to compel the flies to go elsewhere to deposit their eggs.” This extract from bulletin 194 of the Indiana experiment station contains in a nutshell the main conditions to be handled in the control of the pest. The Illinois circular 146 also makes a good point when It declares: “A vigorous wheat plant Is much better able to react against an attack of the fly, especially by stoollng freely or throwing out an abundance of new shoots from tl>e root. Whatever tends, consequently, to give vigor to the plant reduces proportionally the percentage of loss.” This leads to the conclusion that a fertiliser containing at least two per cent ammonia may be the salvation of the crop, and the experience of many users bears this out. With such crop Insurance so cheap compared with results obtained, the enhanced chances for a successful clover catch always greater by its use, fertilizer will play a very Important part in this fight on the Hessian fly.