Insect problems with cotton

Ramie fibre is very durable, but like linen and cotton, ramie has poor resiliency and wrinkles easily application of wrinkle-resistant finishes or blending with synthetic fibres can reduce the problem in woven fabrics. Because of its high absorbency, ramie is comfortable to wear, especially during warm weather. Other properties include resistance to alkali, rotting, light and mildew. Resistance to insects is good unless the fabric is heavily starched. Ramie is not harmed by mild acids but can be damaged by concentrated acids. 

A recent thorough review of attempts to control the cotton boll weevil by means of pesticides (592) makes it unnecessary to go into detail here, but some perspective is presented, since the problem is massive and attempts to control this insect with pesticides have contributed to the difficulties alluded to in Section VII. A. One third of the agricultural pesticides used in the U. S. is dedicated to attempted control of the cotton boll weevil (592). 

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