FORTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. 155 



shrivel at the margins. The disease develops rather slowly but eventually 

 affects the entire hill unless prevented by spraying. It is not easily con- 

 trolled but thorough work with Bordeaux will check its growth ma- 

 terially. Some varieties are claimed to be more resistant to this disease 

 than others. Seed selection with this in view is worth while. 



Downi/ Mildew. This is a spasmodic disease and often proves very 

 injurious. It is much more rapid in its development than the rust or 

 blight and the affected areas on the leaves are more angular than is the 

 case with the other leaf diseases. The affected spots have a downy ap- 

 pearance on the under side and the entire leaf soon turns yellow, then 

 brown, much the same as though it had been frosted. Under favorable 

 conditions for its development, this disease will spread over a large 

 area in three or four days. 



The fruit produced on vines which are seriously affected are worth- 

 less as they are without flavor. In fact all leaf diseases have this tend- 

 ency but not as pronounced as the mildew. 



Frequent and thorough applications of dilute Bordeaux have kept this 

 disease under control. The spraying must begin before the disease has 

 developed to any considerable extent to be effective. 



Bacterial Wilt. This disease is becoming more serious from year to 

 year partially due to lack of knowledge of the nature of the disease and 

 methods of control but principally because of the work of the strij)ed 

 beetle in spreading it. In some instances, the entire plant dies at one 

 time in which case the infection took place at the base of the plant or 

 in the roots. More often, however, the infection takes place one or two 

 feet from the base of the stem. The first indication of the presence of 

 the disease in the latter instance is the wilting and dying of one or two 

 leaves. In a short time, the part of the vine from the affected leaves 

 outward will wilt and die, usually followed a few days later by the 

 dying of the remaining portion of the plant. When the plants die one 

 part at a time, it is very good evidence that the striped beetle, stink bug 

 or some other insect has caused the infection. However, the striped 

 beetle is the most common cause of infection. 



Besides following the suggestions given for the control of the striped 

 beetles, the diseased plants should be removed and destroyed to lessen the 

 source of infection. The wilt attacks all varieties and it is doubtful 

 if strains which will effectively resist this disease can be developed. 



SUMMARY OF TREATMENT FOR INSECTS AND DISEASES. 



1. Use a rotation of crops when practicable. 



2. Try and furnish as nearly ideal conditions for the growth of the 

 plants as possible. They will thus be able to overcome to some extent at 

 least, a part of the troubles to which melons are subject. 



3. A poisoned bran and molasses mash will keep the cutworm under 

 control. 



4. Keep the young plants protected Avitli a cover or a repellant. Air 

 slaked lime moistened with turpentine is one of the best repellants. 



5. Begin to spray with Bordeaux (2-4-50 strength) and Arsenate of 

 lead (3 pounds to 50 gallons) as soon as the vines begin to form. 



G. To be effective the spray materials should cover the leaf area as 

 fully and continually as possible. They act as a preventive and not a 

 cure. 



