THE DANGER OF USING FOREIGN POTATOES FOR SEED. 5 



importations from Germany, as the disease exists there as well as in 

 England. 



The wart disease also exists in Germany, but there is less danger 

 of its importation from that country, as it is not 3'et common in 

 the principal potato-producing sections there. German potatoes may, 

 however, be alfix^ted by "leaf-curl," a peculiar disease of doubtful 

 nature very widely prevalent in that country. This disease causes a 

 curling of the leaves and reduces the yield or cuts it off altogether. 

 It is transmitted in the seed tubers, but is not to be detected by any 

 kind of inspection. 



The danger from these diseases is not limited to a single season, 

 as soils once infected remain unfit for potato culture for many years. 



These facts, together with those previously presented concerning 

 European varieties of potatoes, should become generally known in 

 time to prevent the j^lanting of such foreign seed. 



An}' diseased or doubtful specimens discovered should be sent to 

 the Department of Agriculture for identification. 



SUMMARY. 



(1) Foreign-grown potatoes should under no circumstances be 

 used for seed purposes. 



(2) Such potatoes are not adapted to our soils and climate and 

 will not return profitable yields. 



(3) Several serious diseases not now prevalent in this country are 

 almost certain to be introduced if such stock is used for seed. 



Approved : 



James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



Washington, D. C., March 11, 1912, 



[Cir. 93] 



o 



