198 



Bulletin 228. 



In some instances the hilling seems to have had little effect on 

 3'ield; in others a material reduction in yield seems to result. 



Combating the Blight. The potato blight has now become so 

 prevalent in New York that no potato grower can afford not to take 

 preventive measures against it. A few years ago there was a fair 

 chance that the crop might escape without preventive treatment. 

 There seems to be little chance now. Fortunately, while combating 

 the blight we may effectually control the "bugs" and the little 

 black flea-beetles at the same time. Paris green or other poisons 

 may be introduced into the Bordeaux mixture whenever the presence 

 of the Colorado beetles make it necessary, and the Bordeaux mixture, 

 while not killing the flea-beetles, repels them to such an extent that 

 they do little damage. There is considerable evidence that aside 

 from their effect in holding in check these enemies of the potato 

 crop, Bordeaux mixture and Paris green when properly applied 

 exert a tonic effect upon the plants. That is, even if these enemies 

 do not appear upon the check plats, or are destroyed by other means, 

 the plats treated with Bordeaux mixture and Paris green produce in- 

 creased yields. 



The following table gives a summary of the data secured at this 

 Station relating to the use of Bordeaux mixture for blight prevention. 

 Some seasons no bUght appeared and little effect was observed. In 

 1902, owing to excessive rainfall in July the work was hindered to 

 such an extent that the whole crop became affected with blight and 

 no data was taken: 



Table V. — Showing Yield of Plats not Sprayed and Sprayed with Bor- 

 deaux Mixture. 



