Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 238, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 October 1918 — SAVE COWPEAS FROM WEEVIL [ARTICLE]

SAVE COWPEAS FROM WEEVIL

Fumigation of Stored Seed With Carbon Dlsulphld Prevents Destructive Attacks. • (Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture.) Large supplies, of cowpeas now in storage by growers principally in the southern states can be saved from destructive attacks of the weevil by fumigating with carbon dlsulphld. Southern-grown cowpeas usually become heavily infested by weevils in storage, and, as there is a surplus supply on hand at present, growers should watch their stored seed carefully. Weevils are particularly destructive during warm weather, and if they are not destroyed soon render stored seed unfit for feeding or planting. Fumigation by carbon dlsulphld is a. safe and effective remedy. It Is done by placing seeds in watertight barrels to within a few Inches of the top.' Into each barrel pour one-half cupful of carbon dlsulphld directly on the peas or into an absorbent material such as cloth or cotton. . Then cover the barrel with double thickness of heavy wrapping paper or some such material, tied tightly around the top in order to prevent the fumes of the chemical from escaping. Let the barrel stand for several days and then examine. If adult weevils are seen crawling about among the seeds, a second fumigation should be given. Fumigation should be done during warm weather. It is difficult to kill weevils with carbon dlsulphld at a. temperature lower than 65 degrees F. and the best results follow when the temperature is above 75 degrees F. The sooner cowpeas are threshed and treated after harvesting, the better, as; the treatment kills the young weevil grubs within the seeds and prevents them from continuing to devour the crop. After treatment, keep the barrels covered as during fumigation, for this prevents weevils from flying into the barrel and laying eggs on the Growers who have cowpea seed io storage should send to the United States department of agriculture. Washington D. C., for Farmers’ Bulletin 983, which gives Information regarding bean and pea weevils, and Farmers’ Bulletin 799, which gives information op the use and nature of carbon dlsulphld as a fumigant for cowpeas. These bulletin! will be supplied free as long as the supply lasts. • *