48 FLUE-CURED TOBACCO IN FLORIDA

needed to do a specific job they can generally be purchased
more cheaply on an individual basis rather than in combinations.
 Grasshoppers: These insects have also assumed a place of
importance in tobacco production. Control is difficult, because
the insecticides that give the best control are not recommended
for use on tobacco. A 2% parathion dust applied when the
nymphs are small has given good control and 1.5% endrin
dust or 21/ 2 aldrin dust is also recommended.
 Other Insects: Wireworms and cutworms are always bother-
some at transplanting time and may cause considerable damage
to plant stands. Two or 3 ounces of chlorodane (Technical) to
50 gallons of water using 250 gallons per acre has given control
of these pests.

 Pumpkin bug damage can be quite severe some years. Figure
27 shows the kind of damage done by these pests. A satisfactory
control is difficult to obtain with present insecticides.

 All of the material recommended for the control of insects
on flue-cured tobacco have been found safe to use. However,
there are numerous new insecticides being tested to determine
their effectiveness and only those that are recommended should
be used.

 Carefully observe manufacturer's label precautions for all
insecticides.

 DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL
 At present there are numerous diseases that attack flue-
cured tobacco in Florida. However, only two or three are con-
sidered to be of economic importance.

 In Plant Beds: Downy mildew or blue mold has been a
virulent disease since 1931, found principally in the plant beds.
The first symptoms of the disease will appear to cause the
leaves to yellow, wilt and twist, followed by a characteristic
bluish, downy coating on the lower surface of the leaves. This
disease has been known to appear in late January. In ordinary
seasons the disease will appear the last of February or
early March. Temperatures in the 50's to 650 F. range with
foggy mornings are quite conducive to its development. This
disease will spread rapidly over the entire bed area unless