FUNGI AFFECTING SEEDLINGS AND 



CUTTINGS 

 The Damping=off Fungus 



Pythium DeBaryanum 



The malady known as '^ dam ping-off " is familiar to 

 all experienced gardeners. It affects the seedlings and 

 cuttings of a great variet}' of plants in the propagating 

 bed. It appears oftenest when the soil surface is damj), 

 the temperature high and the sky clouded. ^^Its first 

 appearance is indicated by a slight paleness and droop- 

 ing of the seedlings. If these be carefully removed, 

 it will be seen that the root, either throughout its length, 

 or in portions, is beginning to shrink and deca}', and 

 that the root hairs are destroyed. Later, if the plant is 

 not vigorous enough to resist tae fungus and to put 

 forth secondary roots, the disorganization of the tissue 

 extends to the stem, resulting ultimately in the toppling 

 over of the plant and its thorough decay, although, in 

 some instances, the plant remains green for some days 

 after falling. This extends from one plant to another, 

 nntil only a few or none of the seedlings in a bed may 

 be left."* The plants attacked and the soil between 

 them becomes more or less covered with the mildew-like 

 growth of the fungus mycelium. Recent investigations 

 indicate that the fungus gains entrance to the plants 

 through the roots. 



Treatment. — According to Mr. T. VT. Galloway, 

 of Harvard University, the fungus may be destroyed by 



*T. W. GaUoway. 



182 



