448 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



figs^ 2). — Leaves were examined containing specimens of a very injurious para- 

 sitic fundus confined, so far as known, to one locality in Germany. The 

 organism is described, and stated to be G. melonis. 



As protection against the spread of tlie infection it is suggested that seeds be 

 carefully selected and steeped for 4 liours in a 0.5 per cent formalin solution, 

 and that the plants be sprayed with the usual fungicides, all infected portions 

 being removed and destroyed. Cultivation of resistant varieties is also recom- 

 mended. 



A serious lettuce disease (sclerotiniose) and a method of control, F. L. 

 Stevkns and J. G. Hall (North Carolina Sta. Tech. Bid. 8, pp. 89-143, figs. 

 31). — This is a technical bulletin giving the results of an investigation on a 

 disease of lettuce caused by Sclcrotinia Uhcrttana, some of the popular features 

 of which have been described elsewhere (E. S. R., 25, pp. 548, 846). 



After giving an account of the symptoms and the history of the disease, the 

 morphology, systematic relationship, and physiology of the fungus are described 

 at length. The ascospores and mycelium of the fungus are short-lived, the 

 sclerotia being the resting stage. The authors claim that the ascospores can not 

 directly infect healthy lettuce leaves, but must first sustain a period of sapro- 

 phytic existence until the mycelium developing from the spores attains a certain 

 degree of vigor. This can be done on any decaying organic matter, and if the 

 saprophytic existence is near a lettuce leaf the vigorous mycelium rapidly passes 

 over and parasitizes it. Infection from plant to plant is governed by the same 

 conditions. If infected plants are within a few centimeters of sound ones the 

 mycelium can cover that distance. 



On account of the fact that some species of Sclerotinia are associated with 

 Botrytis, a study was made of this fungus, and the authors believe that there 

 is no evidence to warrant the conclusion that there is any phylogenetic relation 

 between them. 



A bibliography is appended. 



A new pepper disease, H. N. Ridley (Agr. Bui. Straits and Fed. Malay 

 States, 10 {1911), No. 10, pp. 320, 321). — A description is given of a disease of 

 I)epper due to Collctotrichum necator. This disease is recognized by the black- 

 ening and withering of the fruits, and may be checked by the picking and burn- 

 ing of all infected spikes. 



The pepper, according to the author, is usually cultivated from cuttings, and 

 after many generations becomes so weakened as to be particularly liable to 

 attacks of fungi of various kinds. 



A new disease of the potato, L. Tbabut (Bui. Agr. Alg6rie et Tumsie, 17 

 (1911) No. n, pp. ^29-436, figs. 3). — A description is given of the wart disease 

 of ix)tatoes due to Chrysophlyctis endobiotica, and the distribution of the 

 trouble is indicated. The author calls attention to its seriousness and gives 

 the text of various governmental proclamations and decrees regarding the 

 importation of infected potatoes. A bibliography of the literature relating to 

 this disease is appended. 



On the cause of canker on fruit and foliage trees, J. Weese (Ztschr. Landw. 

 Versuchsw. Ostcrr., 14 (1911), No. 6, pp. 872-885, pi. i).— This is a report of a 

 study of the fungus found associated with cankers and galls on twigs of fruit 

 trees, willows, etc. 



The author is of the opinion that Nectria galligena is responsible for the 

 abnormalities hitherto attributed to N. ditissima, the confusion being due to 

 imperfect description of the species. A technical description of N. galligena 

 is given. 



Silver-leaf disease, F. T. Brooks (Jour. Agr. Sci., 4 (1911), No. 2, pp. 

 133-11/4). — In continuation of a brief account previously noted (E. S. R., 26, 



