31G 



STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



SUGAR BEETS. 



A field of sugar beets near Meiioiiiiiiee showed nearly 25% loss from 

 Loaf Spot caused by Ccrcospora J)eticoIa. One half of the field had been 

 in sugar beets the year before, and the other in grain. One could tell by 

 the excessive amount of Leaf Spot present almost to the row where the 

 beets had stood. Affected plants showed spotted, dry tops and high 

 crowns. Definite, circular areas in which the disease was especially se- 

 vere could be seen. It was supposed that these areas developed around 

 old piles of tops. Ko better lesson in the value of rotation could be of- 

 fered than what was evident in this field. 



OAT SMUT. 



Dr. Bessey and County Agent H. G. Smith made some counts in fields 

 in Kent Count}^ in order to determine percentages of smut in treated 

 and untreated fields. 



OAT SMUT IN FIELDS WITH TREATED AND UNTREATED SEED. 



general 



These figures are fairly representative of conditions in 

 throughout the state. These figures show the enormous loss which came 

 from failure to treat the grain. Losses as high as 33% are not uncom- 

 mon in some fields. I have estimated the average annual loss per acre 

 from oat smut at |5.00 for the State in general. This is based on an aver- 

 age loss of 10% of the crop. A questionnaire conducted by Mr. Bentall, 

 County Agent of Allegan County placed the average loss at 8% in his 

 count3^ 



The gain from treatment is also strikingly brought out. Where proper 

 methods were followed the smut w^as reduced to a negligible amount. 



