246 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Doubtless you all have noticed the white discolored spots on the 

 leaves of the strawberry. These spots are usually about one-fourth of 

 an inch in diameter ; the center of the spot is a grayish white, and sur- 

 rounding this is a dark colored stripe, which is about one-sixteenth of 

 an inch broad. This disease of the strawberry is attracting considerable 

 attention, and as frequent inquiries are made concerning the fungus, 

 we will briefly describe it: The disease is commonly known as the 

 strawberry white rust ; it is not a true rust, however, as it belongs to 

 another order differing somewhat from the VredlnecE. The vegetative 

 portion of the fungus is internal, it penetrates the leaf cells, causing 

 the white spots described above. The spores or reproductive bodies 

 are cylindrical, and they are supported on slender stalks, which are 

 about three times the length of the spore. When examined with a lens, 

 the spores and stalks appear as small mealy tufts in the center of the 

 white spot. Tiie disease is most active about the middle of May. 

 Plants attacked with the fungus have their leaf surface diminished ; 

 this, of course injures the berries as there is not enough sap elaborated 

 to properly mature the fruit. 



Frank Earle, of Cobden, 111., is of the opinion that the disease 

 causes more damage toward the northern border of the strawberry belt. 

 He also says it is very hard to estimate the per cent, of damage caused 

 by it in anj' given season, as its action is quite local — some fields be- 

 ing badly injured, and others near by are but slightly affected. Wil- 

 son, Downing, Cumberland and Capt. Jack are mentioned as rusting 

 badly, while Crescent, Bidwell and Manchester are comparatively free 

 from rust. Dusting the plants with lime every two or three weeks, be- 

 ginning early in spring, is said to be the cheapest and best known 

 remedy for the disease. It is also claimed that mulching the ground 

 aroud the plants prevents the rust. 



And now, in conclusion, I wish to urge you to learn all you can 

 concerning the habits of these interesting parasites, and also the hab- 

 its of the many insect pests which cause such a vast amount of damage 

 to your crops. In short, study nature and you will derive both profit 

 and pleasure from your work. 



