262 



stood. At least two fun^i {Macrosporluin Tomato and Fu- 

 sariuni Lycopersici) are usually associated with it, but in 

 just what connection cannot be positively stated. It is 

 usually first seen as a discolored spot on the blossom end 

 of the tomato fruit, soon after it has formed. This in- 

 creases rapidly in size, becomes sunken, and is at length 

 covered with the dusty spores of the associated fungi. It 

 is liable to cause very serious damage, not unfrequently 

 destroying over half tire crop. The early clusters usually 

 suffer worst, but its attacks are quite erratic, seeming to 

 depend on the weather and on the general condition of the 

 plant. It is invariably bad during seasons of protracted 

 drouth ; at such times a good rain will often check its rav- 

 ao-es. Again during very wet weather there may be a de- 

 structive outbreak. Excessive manuring sometimes seems 

 to favor the disease, while half starved plants growing in 

 some poor spot may also be badly affected. In fact any- 

 thing that checks or unduly stimulates the normal healthy 

 growch of the plant, seems to favor the disease. 



Spraying with Bordeaux mixture is often recommended 

 for this disease, but the results of experiments so far re- 

 ported are somewhat contradictory, and it cannot be defi- 

 nitely stated how successful such treatment will prove to 

 be. Much will probably depend on the thoroughness and 

 frequency with which the applications are made. Since 

 the Bordeaux is known to be useful in combatting the 

 Macrosporium disease, and is possibly useful in prevent- 

 ing the blight, it should certainly be applied with the hope 

 that it will be of use in preventing the rot also. For one 

 or two applications while the fruits are small, it is advis- 

 able to add one-fourth of a pound of Paris green to each 

 barrel of the Bordeaux, with the hope of killing some 

 of the young boll worms that feed on the surface a 

 few hours after they are hatched, and before they bore 

 into the fruit. The ravages of this insect will cause it to 

 contest with the black rot for first place among the enemies 

 of the tomato grower. 



