DISEASES OF PLANTS. 747 



From soil samples taken at a depth of 2 in. below the surface cultures of 

 fungi were made, and the author found 2 species of Fusarium, 2 of Colleto- 

 trichuni, and 1 each of Macrosporium, Alteruaria, Spicaria, Verticillium, 

 Rhapalomyces, Cephalothecium, and Helminthosporium. 



Following these studies a series of cultures was carried on to determine what 

 species would affect the wheat culm. These investigations showed that Colleto- 

 trichum, Macrosporium, Helminthosporium, and Cephalothecium were all 

 found on the nodes and internodes of the wheat. 



In 1910, when the season was much drier than in 1909, the observations were 

 continued and extended to include studies of the fungi occurring on the roots. 

 In nearly all cases Colletotrichum, Fusarium, or MacrosiDorium developed from 

 specimens of wheat roots sterilized and placed in cultures. Check tests from 

 virgin soil did not show these fungi in any considerable amount, and this is 

 believed to be additional evidence that a part at least of the deterioration in 

 yield in wheat fields in the Northwest is due to infection from soil fungi or 

 from spores of the same in wind-blown diseases. 



A new disease of lupines, G. Severini (Staz. Sper. Agr. Jtal., J^Jf (1911), 

 No. 5-6, pp. J/Uf-JflG). — The author reports on a disease of wild lupine (Lupinus 

 perennis) observed in the summer of 1910 near Perugia and claimed not to 

 have been previously described. Descriptions are given both of the diseased 

 plant and the new fungus. The fungus is thought to be a species of Anthosto- 

 mella. The question is discussed as to whether or not this is identical with the 

 species found by L. Montemartiui ro infect sulla {Hedysariun coronarium) 

 causing a leaf spot disease thereon, and by him named A. sullw (E. S. R., 24, 

 p. 47). 



Variation of varieties of beans in their susceptibility to anthracnose, M. F. 

 Barrus {PMjtopliatlwlogy, 1 {1911), No. 6, pp. 190-195, pi. i).— During the 

 spring of 1910 a study was made of 161 varieties of beans planted in hills in a 

 field and a duplicate set in tin cans placed in soil out of doors to determine 

 their susceptibility to the bean anthracnose fungus {Colletotrichum lindemii- 

 tJiianum). Considerable difference in the susceptibility of varieties was noticed 

 in the field, although most of the varieties of the common bean were found 

 more or less susceptible. 



During tlie fall of the year some students continued the study. The fungus 

 was isolated from diseased beans, and with these cultures inoculations were 

 made of some varieties that had proved susceptible as well as one that had 

 hitherto proved resistant. The experiments were repeated several times with 

 the same general result, indicating that there is a considerable difference in 

 the infecting power of different strains of the organism. 



In conclusion the author states that he has not found any variety of 

 Phaseolus vulgaris that is resistant to every strain of the bean anthracnose 

 fungus tested. Some are less susceptible than others, and it may be that cer- 

 tain varieties theft have not come under his observation may prove entirely 

 immune. 



Black root rot of beets, D. Hegyi {Bui. Trimest. Soc. Mycoh France, 21 

 {1911), No. 2, pp. 153-159; abs. in Bot. CentU., 119 {1912), No. 1, p. i9).— The 

 author asserts that this rot, ascribed to Phom<i taUflca, Pythium deharyanum, 

 and BaciUus mycoides, is to be combated by employing only well-dried seeds. 

 A water content of less than 10 per cent should be maintained in order to 

 secure exemption from this disease. 



Finger-and-toe disease, W. E. Collinge (Gard. Chron.. 3. sen, 50 {1911), 

 No. 1287, p. 150). — The author states that lime followed by a dressing of 

 sulphur is much better for the control of the club root of cruciferous plants 

 than the use of lime alone. A field known to be badly infested was treated 



