It is much too early in the research program to even guess at how well the weevils imported last summer will work to eventually control puncture vine in California. But limited samples of seed pods and stems taken this fall have already indicated 30 to 50 per cent infestation on some plants at release sites in counties from San Joaquin to Riverside. Next year, if the weevils get off to a good start, it is expected that all interested counties can be supplied with initial stocks for wider distribution of the stem boring weevil, Microlarinus lypriformis, or the seed weevil, Microlarinus lareyniei. Both insects breed only on puncture vine.

The foreign exploration, specificity testing, and importation were made in cooperation with the Entomology Research Division, Agriculture Research Service, USDA.

F. E. Skinner assisted with tests conducted in the quarantine facilities.