ON THE GALL MIDGES INJURIOUS TO THE CULTIVATION OF WILLOWS

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The bionomics of the bat willow gall midge (Rhabdophaga terminalis H.Lw.), which does serious damage to certain willows grown for basket making and the cricket bat willow grown for sets, have been studied. The midge exhibits a distinct host‐plant preference, choosing the bat willow (S. coerulea) when possible. But it also breeds readily on a golden willow, S. alba var. vitellina. It will not attack Black Maul (S triandra), Long Skin (S. viminalis) and Dicky Meadow (S. purpurea). It is shown to be a species which sometimes occurs in epidemic numbers. Intensive cultivation is suggested as a control.