Gleanings from Past Issues of the Journal

Abstract

Noting that cowpeas (black-eyed peas) were an important food item in the diet of rural Texans, but that the peas were difficult to store because. ‘‘weevils … may destroy them within a very few weeks. They stated: ‘‘During the summer of 1934, with grain crops cut short by the drouth [sic] and cotton production doubtful because of the same continuing condition, and with the cash funds of the rural population at a low level, it appeared that a method requiring a minimum of equipment and easily applied by a small producer should be devised for the destruction of weevils so that the crop of peas produced in spite of the drouth might be saved for fall and winter food.’’ They built two wooden trays with galvanized sheet iron floors (3 K 3 28 K 3 39 K inches), one open and the other covered with glass. The trays were filled to a uniform depth of K’’ and placed in the sun; temperature readings were taken in the trays and in adjacent shade. Their studies resulted in distributing a mimeographed circular (‘‘MS-248’’) from which I quote: ‘‘The suggested procedure in using this equipment is to set first the empty tray flat on the ground, place the thermometer in it, and cover it with glass. When, and if, the thermometer in it runs up to 150 degrees, the treatment of the peas may start. The cowpeas are poured in the tray, spread out about K inch deep and the thermometer set in them, and the glass cover placed over them. After the thermometer reaches 150 degrees, leave the cowpeas for about 10 or 15 minutes and then empty them in a weevil free container and recharge the tray with cowpeas, and repeat the process…Temperatures in the treating trays above 180 degrees are apt to impair germination of the cowpeas; however, it is unlikely that a dangerously high temperature will occur within 10 or 15 minutes after a temperature of 150 degrees is attained…’’ The authors noted that their work ‘‘was not in the nature of a well planned experiment, but to determine…data practical for the farmers to apply for the immediate preservation of their crop of peas from weevil attack.’’ The authors were extension entomologists working at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station at College Station, Texas. It is fascinating that they were able to turn the excessive summer heat to some benefit for farmers during the dust bowl days of the middle 1930’s.