BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY. 265 



started in a National Forest, instead of in New York, it would have 

 been eradicated as a matter of routine before infection could become 

 general. The continuation of this work without change of per- 

 sonnel or policy during the fiscal years 1912 and 1913 is contemplated. 



COTTON AND TRUCK-CROP DISEASES AND SUGAR-PLANT 



INVESTIGATIONS. 



The investigations of cotton and truck-crop diseases and of sugar 

 plants have been continued during the year in charge of Mr. W. A. 

 Orton. A brief summary of the progress made in these lines of 

 work follows. Assisting in the investigations during all or a part 

 of the year have been H. A. Edson and J. B. Norton, physiologists; 

 L. L. Harter, W. W. Gilbert, F. J. Pritchard, and H. B. Shaw, as- 

 sistant pathologists; F. A. Wolf and W. B. Clark, experts; C. F. 

 Clark, G. F. Miles, Miss Ethel C. Field, and Miss Clara O. Jamieson, 

 scientific assistants; and J. F. Eeed and E. C. Rittue, assistants. 



SUGAR-PLANT INVESTIGATIONS. 



The work on sugar-plant investigations has been materially ex- 

 tended duriiio- the past year. Field stations have been established 

 at Garden. Kans., and Rocky Ford, Colo. Most of the work 

 formerly conducted at Garland, Utah, has been transferred to Ogden, 

 Utah. 



Sugar-beet diseases. — The work on the control of the curly-top 

 is being continued with the purpose of discovering remedial meas- 

 ures and to gain a more thorough knowledge of the physiological 

 operation of the disease. 



The station at Rocky Ford was inaugurated for the express pur- 

 pose of thoroughly studying the leaf-spot disease {Cercospora heti- 

 cola)^ looking to the discovery of the complete life history of the 

 fungus and effective methods of control. A pathologist and assist- 

 ant are stationed on the ground, where adequate laboratory facilities 

 with about 20 acres of experimental plats and ample greenhouse 

 facilities have been placed at their disposal through cooperation with 

 the American Beet Sugar Co. 



Work upon the root troubles of sugar beets to be conducted at 

 various field stations and in Washington is contemplated for the 

 ensuing year. 



Culture of the sugar beet. — Agronomic studies having in view 

 improvements in the culture of sugar beets under the direction of 

 Dr. C. O. Townsend, collaborator, have been begun at the field sta- 

 tions, particularly in Garden, Kans., where a large acreage and 

 ample laboratory facilities have been placed at the disjjosal of the 

 bureau. Demonstration work looking to the adojDtion of improved 

 cultural practice has been inaugurated in the Arkansas Valley in co- 

 operation with the Holly Sugar Co. 



Improvement of the sugar beet, — The breeding work has been 

 very much increased and thoroughly reorganized during the past 

 year. Single-germ breeding is being continued, while the breeding 

 of beets for improved yield and quality has been very much ex- 

 tended. Breeding for alkali and drought resistance and for early- 

 maturing strains is being continued along former lines. 



