Matthew Cooke (entomologist) facts for kids

Matthew Cooke (1829–1887) was an Irish immigrant who moved to the United States. He became famous in California for being a pioneer in a field called economic entomology. This means he studied insects that affect farming and found ways to protect crops.

Early Life and Move to California

Matthew Cooke was born on February 16, 1829, in Bushmills, County Antrim, Ireland. When he was young, he worked for the Public Works Department in Bushmills. He was even promoted to Superintendent there.

In 1850, Matthew moved to the United States. He first worked at the Water Works in Sacramento, California. Later, in 1875, he started a business making fruit boxes.

Fighting Crop Pests

Matthew's fruit box business faced a big problem. A pest called the Codling moth started destroying apple crops in California. This was a huge issue for farmers.

To solve this, Matthew began studying entomology, which is the study of insects. By 1879, he knew enough to teach fruit growers about the Codling moth. He also taught them about other serious pests, including those that harmed the important wine crop.

In 1881, he was chosen to be California's Chief Executive Horticultural and Health Officer. In this role, he created rules to stop harmful insects from entering the state. These rules are called quarantine regulations.

Legacy and Recognition

Matthew Cooke is remembered as California's first economic entomologist. This means he was the first expert focused on how insects affect the economy, especially farming.

A type of cherry fruit sawfly, called Hoplocampa cookei, was named after him by W. T. Clarcke. Matthew Cooke died in Sacramento on August 25, 1887.

His Writings

Matthew Cooke wrote many articles and pamphlets. Most of these were published in newspapers like the Pacific Rural Press. His writings helped farmers understand and fight insect pests.

He wrote important books like:

• Treatise on the Insects Injurious to Fruit and Fruit Trees of the State of California, and Remedies Recommended for Their Extermination (1881).
• Insects, Injurious and Beneficial, Their Natural History and Classification; For the Use of Fruit Growers, Vine Growers, Farmers, Gardeners and Schools (1883).

He also made charts about insects and pests. These charts were especially helpful for fruit growers and schools.

Images for kids

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  Matthew Cook Entomological Chart