BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTEY. 137 



on that fruit. Inoculation tests have shown a restriction of fruit 

 susceptibility to the early stages of development, and this knowledge 

 has enabled the spraying schedules to be more effectively planned. 



CRANBERRY DISEASES. 



Special attention has been given to a study of end-rot and its con- 

 trol. This disease has become more prevalent and destructive the 

 past few seasons. It has been found that a parasitic fungus, appar- 

 ently undescribed, causes this disease, and that it can be largely con- 

 trolled by thorough spraying with Bordeaux mixture. Investigation 

 of rots and spoilage of this fruit after picking and methods of pre- 

 vention have been carried on in cooperation with the Massachusetts 

 Agricultural Experiment Station. The results at present show that 

 the loss is partly due to the development of destructive fungi and 

 partly to the rapid death of the fruit, both of which are favored by 

 high temperatures, rough handling, and lack of ventilation. Losses 

 from these causes can be largely prevented by thorough spraying 

 and cooling of fruit as quickly as possible after picking, storing it in 

 a cool, well -ventilated place, and handling it carefully to avoid 

 bruising. 



PEACH BROWN -ROT AND SCAB. 



During the past two years and particularly in the spring of 1917 

 in Georgia, dusting experiments with finely divided sulphur were 

 carried on, showing that the dusting method is successful in the con- 

 trol of peach scab and at least promising as a remedy for brown-rot. 



SCALD OF APPLES. 



It has been found that scald of apples increases with a rise in 

 storage temperature and that it can be almost entirely prevented by 

 good aeration. 



DECIDUOUS FRUIT ROT INVESTIGATIONS. 



It has been found that most of the rots can make but very slow 

 development at a lower temperature unless they have already started 

 at higher ones. It has also been found that it is practically impos- 

 sible for the germ tubes of fungous spores to penetrate the sound 

 apple skin. This fact shows the great importance of extreme care 

 in the handling of fruit. 



CITRUS CANKER. 



With special reference to the citrus industry, it should be noted 

 that the campaign for the eradication of citrus canker, in cooper- 

 ation with the States of Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, xVla- 

 bama, Georgia, and South Carolina, is progressing very favorably. 

 Recent reports indicate that the disease is under satisfactory control 

 in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, and its complete 

 eradication throughout that area is perhaps to be expected during the 

 coming year. A somewhat longer time will probably be required for 

 the completion of the work in the remaining States, although in 

 these States also the progress of the work is encouraging. 



