A new genus, Pseudotheraptus, is described for a Coreid bug, Ps. wayi, sp. n., Causing early nutfall of coconuts in East Africa. Two other species, Ps. devastans (Dist.) and Ps. ugandae, sp. n., are placed in this genus, with descriptions and a key for determination of the three species.

The taxonomic relation of Pseudotheraptus to other genera is discussed, with particular reference to Theraptus, in which the species now described as Ps. wayi was formerly placed provisionally, and to Amblypelta, of which one species (A. cocophaga China) is the cause of identical damage to coconuts in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.

A key is given for the determination of the two species now remaining in the genus Theraptus.

Following crop failures due to wireworm (Agriotes spp.) attack on Little Hoos Field, Bothamsted, two experiments were made on the use of four chemicals to prevent wireworm attack on wheat. The chemicals used were BHC, technical DDT, ethylene dibromide and D-D.

Benzene hexachloride in the form of a dust containing 3·5 per cent. crude BHC was broadcast at the rate of 7·9 lb./acre crude BHC ≡ 15·2–16·0 oz. γ isomer per acre and was combine-drilled with the seed at rates ranging from 0·98–3·92 lb./acre crude BHC ≡ 1·9–8·0 oz. γ isomer per acre. It was also applied as a seed dressing at the rate of 2 oz./bushel of a dressing containing 20 per cent. technical γ isomer of BHC. DDT was drilled with the seed at 7·2 lb./acre technical DDT and ethylene dibromide and D-D were injected into the soil as soil fumigants by means of a special machine at 45·5 lb./acre and 210 lb./acre, respectively.