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SUMMARY Cryptorrhynchus lapathi L. is a serious pest of basket willows in Somerset, feeding as both larva and adult on the rods and stools. Adults reared in outdoor cages at Long Ashton completed their life history in 12 months in a cycle similar to that found in Southern France, Italy and North America. However, part of the population on reaching the adult stage in late summer did not emerge before the following May and so had a 2‐year life cycle. In contrast, willow bed sampling indicated that the population showed only the 2‐year cycle generally similar to that found in Northern and Eastern Europe. Maximum damage to rods occurred in May and June when adults emerged and in 1959, when there was a serious infestation, 62% of the rods were damaged. The maximum density recorded at one time was one adult per six stools or 138 shoots but surveys in which marked weevils were recaptured showed that only part of the total adult population was visible at any one time and hence over a 5‐day period a density of one adult per four stools was found. Soon after emergence adults showed a preference for evening activity. There appeared to be very little lateral movement of adults across the rows in willow beds and flight has been observed only in the laboratory. There was no evidence of alternate host plants being used at any stage in the life history or for the hypothesis of alternating light and heavy infestation years between 1958 and 1963.

SynopsisSome main uses of the versatile genus Salix are described. The basket willow industry, once nationwide but now concentrated in Somerset, is covered in some detail, noting the site requirements and attributes of the three main basket willow species, Salix triandra L., S. viminalis L. and S. purpurea L. The management of the crops and methods of processing to give the ‘white’ or ‘buff’ coloured rods preferred by basket makers are described, as are the ability and versatility of basketry to produce containers uniquely suited to meet specific needs.Other uses of the shrub willows (sub-genus Vetrix) are outlined, including the stabilisation of slopes and other aspects of bioengineering, amelioration of difficult environments and large-scale amenity urban and motorway plantings.Attention is drawn to opportunities to develop the tree willows (sub-genus Salix) to meet projected timber shortages, to the use of willows for windbreaks and shelter, and to the culture and use of that very British tree – the Cricket Bat Willow (S. alba var. caerulea (Sm.) Sm.).

prophylls of these buds were not formed until the buds were 'allowed' to sprout, e.g. after the main shoot had wilted. Syllepsis was common in 5. amygdaloides and effected the resprouting ability. The significantly different growth pattern resulted in lower coppicing ability and productivity in S. amygdaloides compared to S. viminalis and 5. eriocephala.