Arrival of Boll Weevil in N.C. Marks Hard Times Ahead for Cotton Farmers, Oct. 28, 1919

From The Monroe Journal, Oct. 28, 1919

Boll Weevil Is Actively Breeding In This State. . . Pest Is Found in Columbus, New Hanover and Brunswick, Though It Is Not Thought Will Spread to Southeastern Counties

Raleigh, Oct. 27—The cotton boll weevil has to date been found at Tabor, Freeman and Bolton in Columbus county, and on the edge of Wilmington in New Hanover county, reports Mr. R.W. Leiby, assistant entomologist at the Agricultural Experiment Station. Since these two counties are north of Brunswick county the weevil is assumed to be established here also.

Mr. Leiby, in speaking of the spread of the weevil stated that the search had been made as far north as Burgaw and Hampstead in Pender county, and as far west as Chadbourn in Columbus county, but that it had been located at these points. During the coming weeks continued search will be made by members of the division of entomology, Department of Agriculture, in an effort to locate the northern limits of spread of the weevil.

In each case where located, the weevil was found to be actively breeding. At Wilmington, particularly, half grown grubs of the weevil were found in the young green squares, which indicate that it had been present in the State about two weeks before being located. The damage, however, to this year’s crop will be negligible, since the squares in which the weevil is now breeding would not mature cotton this season. However, it appears that the weevil may succeed in maturing a brood this year within the State, and this will cause greater destruction next year.

It is predicted by Mr. Leiby that the weevil will cause but little destruction in the southeastern corner of the State next year, but that the year following, its work will be very strongly in evidence and will cause great losses to the farmer who depends only upon cotton. Already reports have been received of the deprecations of the value of cotton land in Columbus county. This is declared to be untimely by Mr. Leiby, since the best way to beat the boll weevil is to grow less cotton and more of other crops.

The boll weevil spend the winter in the adult stage. It produces a number of generations during the year, requiring only 21 days with favorable conditions to develop from the egg to the adult stage. Winter weather, therefore, is an important factor in the increase or decrease of the weevils. But the pest has been known to survive zero weather in Louisiana, and it is believed that it will readily withstand North Carolina winters.