The Courier News from Blytheville, Arkansas • Page 7

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 1954 (ARK.) COURIER KEWS Recommended: Control Flea Hopper, But Use Caution By KEITH BILBREY County Agent Flea hopper populations are generally low in North Mississippi County. I have found three old fields of cotton that needed poisoning, however. The many office calls would in-; setting more fruit. dicate we have much to learn about this occasional cotton pest, however. What Are Fleahoppers? The U.S.D.A.

statement and description of the fleahopper "The fleahopper pierces terminal buds and newly-formed squares, causing them to drop. This often results in tall, whiplike plants without fruit or fruiting branches, or other abnormal plant growth. Injury occurs chiefly in early seasons. "The adult cotton fleahopper is an oval-shaped, pale-green winged insect about in. long.

The young fleahopper is very small, and wingless. "The fleahopper breeds on goat- weed (croton), primrose, horsemint, and other plants. Eggs are inserted singly in the bark of the" stems. A Me cycle is only about 3 weeks; several generations mature during the year. It winters in the stage.

One field of goatweed may hatch millions. "If fleahoppers are preventing the tet of squares when the first squares begin to form, control should be started at once." The Arkansas Extension Service Circular, No. 457 on Cotton Insects among other things: "When early shedding of squares does occur, it frequently follows, as Investigations in the neighboring of Oklahoma and Mississippi have shown, that no permanent result since the loss of squares may be offset by more rapid Nevertheless, in some rather infrequent instances, injury by the fleahopper has continued throughout the season and caused serious 18 days are required to complete the life cycle from egg to adult. There may be a large number of generations a year, but "At the fifth annual Cotton Insect Control Conference in December, 1961, George D. Jones, North Carolina Extension Entomologist, came up with a forceful statement when he said, "We must learn to poison insects, not cotton." "He went on to point out that in 1951, some North Carolina cotton farmers applied insecticides every sine these generations overlap there week, and never considered the in- is no distinct break between theoilfestation, with the result that main the field." When To Control I realize there is difference of opinion.

I also feel like I have been on the defensive more times than the offensive, so far as poisoning is concerned. Gordon Barnes-, our Extension Entomologist, said in letter to me June 18, "I still would not recommend controlling fleahopper until you find as much as infestation." Dr. Charles Lincoln, head of the Entomology Department at the University, said last year, "Plant bug and fleahopper infestations axe transient and cotton has a tremendous capacity to recover from loss of small squares. "A serious attempt has been made for two years to find an infestation enough to warrant control and no such infestation has been found." To the people who like to listen to authorities away from-home, or other state, I invite you to read what George D. Jones from North plant growth ultimately by I Carolina says: Weather And Bulletin Crop (Compiled by cooperative of USDA, Extension Service, Department of Commerce and University of Arkansas College of AgricuKure.) The mean temperature for the past week, as determined from the records of 20 stations, was 86 degrees, which is 6 degrees above normal.

The highest weekly mean was 88 degrees at Little Bock, Searcy and Stuttgart: the lowest, 83 degrees, at Fayetteville and Gilbert. The highest temperature recorded was 107 degrees at Searcy on the 27th; the lowest, 60 degrees at Gilbert on the The average rainfall for 16 stations was 0.38 inch. The greatest weekly total was 1-70 inch at Black Rock while Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Pine Bluff, Stuttgart, Texarkana, Georgetown, and Helena had no rain. Some localities received much needed showers during the week but most of the State needs a good general rain. The moisture situation has not reached a critical stage, although inadequate moisture, together with extreme heat, is damaging crops such as corn, late hay and vegetables and pastures in many areas.

Some fields of soybeans also need rain. Excellent harvest weather has enabled farmers to make rapid progress in harvesting hay and small grain crops. Most early hay has been saved and small grain harvest is complete, or nearly so in most counties. COTTON is doing very well in all areas. The crop has not suffered so far from lack of moisture, although showers would be helpful to some fields.

The crop has been well cul- standstill in some fields; rain is needed for germination of late plantings. Much HAT was saved during the week under very favorable conditions. LESPEDEZA and materially by a good rain. SMALL GRAIN harvest is nearing completion. Yields have been excellent for the most part in some areas the best ever.

Much is being stored on farms and elsewhere under Government loan. RICE is making very good progress in all areas, although a few fields are grassy. Application of fertilizer continues. A very promising SOYBEAN crop is beginning to need'rain in many localities, although moisture conditions are not yet serious in any area. Some early plantings are in bloom and a number of fields have been "laid Harvest of a good yielding commercial early POTATO" crop is completed in a few counties and nearing completion in others.

TOMATO harvest will soon reach a peak in Bradley County. Yields and quality have both been good so far. The crop needs rain in this county as well as in other South Arkansas tomato producing areas. CUCUMBER harvest is getting underway. WATERMELONS and CANTALOUPES look good, although they are late.

Harvest of Fair Beauty and Elberta PEACHES is nearing completion. The main Elberta harvest is expected to start about July 4 in Howard County. PASTURES need rain, particularly on uplands. The heat and dry weather has curtailed MILK PRODUCTION somewhat. Despite the heat and drying pastures, most herds of CATTLE are holding their own some are still gaining and a few are beginning to lose weight.

No stock water shortage is reported. Wash glassware in ammonia water qf detergent instead of soap. Rinse in clear hot water and they'll sparkle. The 24th National 4-H Club Camp will be held in Washington, D. C.

tivated and fields are the une ig-23. The camp is held an" nually under the direction of Agricultural Extension Service. Theme in years Old cotton continues to bloom and put on squares. Some local infestation of flea hoppers, red spider mites, thrip and weevil is reported but insects have not been much of a problem so far and no widespread control measures have been necessary. A number of early CORN fields are at the tasseling and silking stage and are firing because of insufficient moisture and extreme heat.

Yields in some fields will be reduced considerably, if rain is not received soon. Late corn is in better shape than early plantings, although some of it is curling. Considerable cinch bug infestation is reported in Clay, Craigbead, Greene, and Independence Counties. Growth of SORGHUMS is at a of year's camp is "Your Government. 4-H and You." RE-OPENING Special Price on White River Cat Fish 65c Lb.

Plenty Fresh Fish-for the 4th Taylor's Fish Mkh 400 E. Main Ta'yior. Owner Phone 3-9969 trials were wasted and their control of insects was not successful. "We may have good methods of control," he said, "but if our people do not follow them, something is wrong. They must be able to see in crop returns that the effort will pay off.

They must learn properly to evaluate insect conditions so as to take control steps when needed, and leave them alone when not needed." In May of 1S53 here is a part of what Striling Kyd. Entomologist in Missouri had to say about "ghost "Apparently 'ghost spraying' got started in Missouri largely because insecticides must be used regularly most parts of the Cotton Belt to produce a crop. But one of the big advantages of raising crops in Southeast Missouri is the lack of consistent insect damage. "But research has shown that it rarely pays us to spray for thrips or fleahoppers. "The only time when spraying Missouri cotton is it will result in anything but a.

pure waste of when insecticides are needed to kill a specific insect that is doing definite damage at a particular time. "There is nothing more absorb than spraying a crop that is not being damaged by insects spraying, supposedly, to prevent damage from starting. "Such spraying doesn't prevent damage it actually encourages it. By killing beneficial insects, this so called "preventative" spraying actually increases the possibilities of a boll worm outbreak." The National Cotton Council has sponsored annually a meeting of the entomologists in all of the southern states, and has published the insect control recommendations for each state. I notice in these recommendations that state like Louisana, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, as well as Arkansas recommends controlling fleahoppers when you find from 25 to 35 fleahoppers for 100 terminals.

Some states like Georgia and North Carolina do not even mention fleahoppers as a problem. In case this information leads you to believe I do not recommend control of fleahopper, you are wrong. I absoluately believe it profitable to control these and other insects when they are in outbreak numbers. Some of you may recall an outbreak last summer, primarily in the Yarbro Community. We worked very hard in that case and strongly recommended control.

You Can Learn I insist that anyone can learn to spot these plant bug infestations about when they occur. We are happy to teach anyone who is interested. We do like to work with groups of farmers because teaching one man at a time is slow process. Willing To Help We are willing to help any one and any group of people in the county to improve their insect scouting technique and to help train you in the identification of the many insects that affect your cotton, both good and bad. Something to Think About Sy GERTRUDE B.

HOLIMAN County Home Demonstration Afent TV You may be interested to know that an agricultural film will be telecast over WH3J-TV at 12:30 Sunday, July 4. Mulching Helps Mrs- W. A- Lewis, Highway 61 South, says mulching makes a big difference during dry weather. Mrs. Lewis mulched her cucumber and muskmelon vines with cottonseed hulls and they are looking fine even during this hot dry weather.

The other vegetables in her garden that have not been mulched have begun to droop and dry. Mulching not only keps moisture in the soil but does away with hoeing which is another very good reason for mulching. Do use it around your late summer vege- tables. Straw, hulls, cardboard or paper may be used. Food Leader Training Food leaders enjoyed a training meeting on cakes and pies last Friday which was conducted by Miss On Missco Farms By KEITH BILBRIY, Gouty Afent Secretary Benson Said probably come slowly.

pretty a picture. You should see that field. Geese are helping, too, but the chopping expense has been less than $1.00 per acre, I hear! JOHN ED REGEN'OLD, lite dad, and ALEX 'In an effort to prevent the "Details of the allotment compli- "shifting of a producer ance program, and its application will be required to comply with allj to different crops and different op- CURTIS are cotton using estibilshed for era ting situations, will be available Mr. Smith had April cotton on 3 cold spell worse than I this year. They all like this type "The more I farm the less I know." a few plants for you to set." DENNIE HAMMOND ftt flat Lake can tell you a similar I hope we have ill learned a lesson about the recuperative cotton this spring.

I know of two particular that I gave up on, and would replanted about May 17. The stands died out after the May his farm in 1955 in order to be eligible for price support on any crop produced on the farm that year. "In addition to the cross-compliance among allotment crops, there now looks good! iii uc avai.ia.uic in county Agricultural Stabilization I very sandy land near Shady Grove, Anyway, you should see- the and Conservation offices as The roots on that cotton didn't just now In0lf as possible. The compliance provis- look bad, they really rotted off. ions are beine announced early in; I guessed, and he wanted to be-, the year in order to permit full lieve, the cotton would put out a I be a further reouirement for understanding among producers farms 4ere acreage anotments well before planting time will call for diversion of more seeaed crops, and before additional.

10 acres from the production of al- referenda are held on marketing lotment crops in 1955. In these cases, a "total acreage allotment" will be established for the farm. The total acreage allotment will include all crop acreage allotments established for the farm and the 1953 acreages adjusted acre- ages) of all other crops on the farm except hay, cover crops, green manure crops, pasture, idle summer fallow. "Producers must keep within the total acreage allotment, when one is established for their farms, in order to be eligible for price sup- quota and allotment programs. "A similar but somewhat more system.

He left most of it and spot plant- ed some. Mr. Smith said yester-- day, "That cotton has the prettiest 1 root system you ever saw' I wisiri limited allotment-compliance had taken a shovel and dug up! gram was announced initially by the Department last October 8, but SEPTIC TANK SERVICE CLEANING SEPTIC TANK and CESS POOL Modern All Work Guaranteed GEORGE NUCKLES Phone 116 Monettc, Ark. -tithe fact that some fall-seeded crops were already planted. At that time, of cultivation.

Several others also are using them. ROY SMITH at Manila says, it was announced that cross-compliance with all allotments on a farm was felt to be in the interests of sound program administration DON'T ARGUI WITH iTi Af isAHt AI.LAVlUtcHLOIATt- port on anv croc. This requirement, und er the existing laws, and of course," does not apply on the consideration would be given the smaller farms where not more than establishment of such requirements 10 acres are to be diverted from for future production." allotment, crops. People "The cross-compliance and total-i E. M.

REGENOLD started fur- Blanche Randoloh, Nutrionist from I acreage compliance requirements row irrigation of cotton out of the the Extension Service in Little! are aimed the problem Rock. It was a hot day but we had a very nice place to Power Company at Leachville. Cleaning Tips Vacuum clean the inside of the cuffs of men's trousers before storing. This is the easy way to keep moths from making a juicy meal of your husband's pants. These cuffs catch-alls rank high among the moth's preferred homes.

This is just one of the many housekeeping jobs that can be done better and easier with a vacuum cleaner and a full set or attachments. Any type of cleaner is handy to have around the home, but the ideal vacuum cleaner equipment is either a tank or upright cleaner with all the necesary attachments. Cleaning window screens is a messy job. But it is easy to take the screens into the open' air and blow dust -away with the vacuum cleaner hose. A vacuum cleaner can even be used to restore life and fluffiness to lumpy pillows.

Just open the pillow seam wide enough to insert crevice nozzle of cleaner. Adjust for blowing and warm air will soon restore life in spite of humid summer nights. Resew seam or a zipper can be tacked to the pillow opening for repeated use. Sometimes even a strong vacuum will not clean dust from the inner recesses of radiators. If you have this problem, place a damp cloth behind and below the radiator.

Adjust the cleaner for blowing, insert crevice nozzle between radiator section, and blow dust and dirt from hidden ledges into the damp cloth. Helps When the family budget is not adequate to permit air conditioning the entire home, cooling a single room will provide a center for family life during the hot summer months. The size of the unit to be purchased is an important factor when buying a room air conditioner. The proper capacity for a room depends on room size, number of windows, exposure, insulation, type of building, geographic location, and a number of other factors. It is a complicated question that only a reliable dealer can answer- after given all the facts.

Do some comparative shopping. Ask to have units demonstrated and the top removed to inspect the interior mechanism. Look for sturdy construction, large filters, and insulation and grilles that direct the flow of air throughout the room of controlling or jufluencing the use of acres taken out of allotment crops under production adjustment programs. Past experience has shown conclusively that, without some provisions to guide the use of acres which are diverted under acreage allotment programs, these acres are likely to be planted to other crops which need or would soon need adjustments themselves "The program should aid materially in meeting this problem, attaining a more balanced production and bringing supplies more nearly in line with demand. Officials of the Department of Agriculture point out that the" compliance program will not insure complete control of diverted acres.

Producers will have the choice of complying with the allotments and being eligible for price supports, or of exceeding their allotments and foregoing price support privileges. It is felt, however, that the program will have a direct and important effect on the use of diverted acres, without going to the extremes of absolute controls. "The compliance program will lessen the impact of acreage shifts on nonbasic "crops, many of which do not have price support. It will encourage an increase in soil-conserving types of crops, especially on those larger farms for which total acreage allotments are established. It will mean a minimum of restrictive controls on the smaller, family-size farms.

"Department officials recognize that increases in pasture and hay crops, encouraged under the program, might have some effect eventually on livestock, including dairy cows. They point out, however, that any net increase would without creating a draft. Check for quietness of operation. Always, inquire about the operating costs. Always be certain that your dealer checks house wiring before installing an air conditioner.

This is necessary to insure proper operation and to avoid the danger of overloading electrical lines. Time To Plan flower arrangements for the July picnics you will be holding. Use garden flowers and accessiries where possible. Water the lawn. Be sure the lawn mower IF set high during the next three months.

Control weeds in garden by mulching or cultivation. Keep a close watch for insects of all kinds in the vegetable garden. Watch for blister beetles. Control them with DDT. Illinois, for example, normally is not considered a bad hail state.

In 1953, however, Insurance Companies paid but more for hail damage on farm crops in Illinois than in any other state. This year, protect your growing crops with HAIL INSURANCE. UNITED INSURANCE AGENCY A. "DEE" DIETRICH, Mgr. Ill W.

Main Phone 3-6812 Blythevillt You Can Bt Out in Ftw Minutci The New 1954 RCA Air Conditioners EMIHEERED FOR BEJJER GEfTHE FACTS Start living in clean, filtered air right now. Be ready with mountain-cool comfort when hot weather starts. Come in and see the ,9 gorgeous new RCA Air Conditioners for that heat as well as and panel lighti permanent filters famous "Heart-of- Cold everything you'd expect from world-famous RCA. Byrum Implement Hardware 116-122 E. Main Phone 3.4404 Armorel Lake this week.

He also started sprinkling soybeans, which he has up to a stand, following a wheat RUSSELL and DIXON, on Armorel Planting land, have 120 acres of cross-plowed cotton in former Johnson grass land that is KILLS JOHNSON GRASS, BERMUDA GRASS AND MANY OTHER FARM WEEDS Widely used'throughout the South for destroying all typet weeds and grasses. Kills weed roots prevents regrowth. In convenient powder form: easy to mix for spraying. E. C.

Robinson Lumber Co. Phone 3-4551 a Scans Uss Wea Longer Life- Easier Handling Usi i BIG-CAPACITY JOHN DEERE No.55 Combini The engine and grain tank are centered en top of the John Deere No. 55 Self-Pxo- pelled Combine. means the No. 55 it balanced at ail even when the grain tank it full.

Weight being properly No. 55 hat good flotation tad fienbUitf far aod xmgh feeide. Balanced design alto meant that your crop it evenly distributed all of the units. There's no overbading to ctuae grain loam or undue wear. Come in and let us give you all the detaik on the 12- or 14-foot John Deere No.

53; balanced combine that more grain or teed at tower ooet MISSCO IMPLEMENT CO Pliant 3-44J4 South Highway 1 JOHN DEERE QUALITY FARM EQUIPMENT cotton -fester With less labor get our preseason PICKER SERVICE Reduce to a minimum the time and labor it- 5-STAR SERVICE CAll US TODAY POi YOU! MRVICI DAT! foe picking. Schedule ff our IH 5-Star cotton picker servict now. Put our skilled oo your toc- lon-picking They'll iotfwct, adjust, service your picker with special precision They'll fod sod replace work-worn picket parts which might lower picker Bt feady wheo your cotton it Ark. Our.