Distribution of Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) in Great Britain

Abstract

THE Biology War Committee has been requested by the Agricultural Research Council to collect information and afterwards to plan sample surveys of the distribution of the spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus) in Great Britain. This scheme is part of the general research programme into the biology of the bean aphis (Aphis fabœ (A. rumicis)) which overwinters on this plant. The damage done by the bean aphis to the sugar-beet crop alone is estimated to reach a million pounds in some seasons, and proper knowledge of the distribution of its primary winter host is essential in any consideration of the problems of control. The Committee therefore asks for the following information from anyone able to supply it: (1) The exact location (reference one inch or six inch map if possible) of areas which can be put in the following categories: (i) spindle totally absent; (ii) spindle rare or occasional (isolated bushes 1–2 plants per square mile); (iii) spindle frequent (intermediate density between (ii) and (iv)); (iv) spindle unusually abundant (at least a hundred bushes per acre or ten plants per 100 yards of hedgerow); (data for Euonymus spp. in gardens should not be included). (2) The proportion by area which falls into each of the four foregoing categories of density. (3) The differences in (a) geological formation, (b) soil, (c) drainage, (d) altitude, (e) aspect, (f) other factors, which might influence the distribution of spindle. Such information should be sent before August 31 to Mr. G, E. Blackman, Hon. Secretary, Biology War Committee, Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, S.W.7.