846 EXPERIMENT STATION EECOED. 



Other experiments are reported in whicli tlie effect of the different fungi- 

 cides on the germination of different varieties of wheat was tested, those 

 ti-eated with formalin giving the best results in every case. 



In other experiments it was found that the spores of the unbroken stinking 

 smut balls would retain their vitality from one season to the next, but that 

 when crushed and placed in the bottom of a drill, covered and allowed to remain 

 for some weeks, the grain sown with them did not contract the disease, indi- 

 cating that the spores germinated in the soil but died on account of the lack of 

 a suitable host. 



Combating- rust of cereals, A. C. Tonneliee (Min. Agr. [Argentina'], Div. 

 En^enanza Agr. [Pub.], Jf. ser., 1910, No. 1, pp. 13). — This gives a summary of 

 investigations and opinions concerning rust on grains, with recommendations as 

 to treatment for its prevention. 



Rusted grain and the wintering of the rust fungus, J. Eriksson (Centbl. 

 Bakt. [etc.], 2. Ait., 32 (1912), No. 13-19, pp. 455-^59).— This is a discussion 

 dealing with certain grains of wheat affected with rust, as bearing upon the 

 author's theory of a mycoplasm (E. S. R., 26, p. 650), also a bibliography of 

 literature related thereto. 



A new smut of grass, D. McAlpine (Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales, 36: (1911), 

 pt. 1, pp. 45, 46, pi. 1). — ^A description is given of Ustilago ewarti, a new species 

 of smut found on grass, Sarga stipoidea. The genus of grass is also said to be 

 a new one. 



Downy mildew of alfalfa, C. C. Brittlebank (Jour. Dept. Agr. Victoria, 10 

 (1912), No. 1, pp. 65, 66). — ^A description is given of a disease of alfalfa due to 

 Peronospora trifoliorum. The specimens noticed by the author had a stunted, 

 unthrifty appearance, the upper portions of the stems and leaves being cov- 

 ered by a thick grayish downy layer. Many of the leaves were coated with 

 the fungus on both surfaces, and in some cases the stalks were almost bare of 

 leaves. 



Only a few specimens of this disease have thus far been noted, but attention 

 is called to it on account of its possible economic importance. 



The control of cotton wilt and root knot, W. A. Orton and W. W. Gilbert 

 (U. 8. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant Indus. Circ. 92, pp. 19, figs. 12). — ^Attention is 

 called to the wilt and root knot, two serious diseases of the cotton plant par- 

 ticularly on sandy land, and suggestions are given for their control. These 

 diseases have been previously described (E. S. R., 20, p. 450; 26, p. 343). 



The method of control consists in the planting of resistant varieties. For the 

 development of supplies of seed, as well as for the possible obtaining of addi- 

 tional varieties, a cooperative breeding plan has been arranged between the 

 Bureau of Plant Industry, the South Carolina Experiment Station, and the 

 Georgia State Board of Entomology, the details of which are explained. 



A bacterial disease of onions, A. W. Giampieteo (Riv. Patol. Veg., 5 (1911), 

 No. 4, PP- 49-52). — ^A preliminary account is given of a disease of onions, which 

 is said to be due to Bacillus coli. It is thought that this disease is the same as 

 that described by Delacroix, which was attributed to B. cepivorus (E. S. R., 18, 

 p. 745). 



Bacterial rots of the potato, J. Schuster (Arb. K. Biol. Anst. Land u. 

 Forstw., 8 (1912), No. 4, pp. 452-492, pi. 1, figs. 13).— This is an account of a 

 general study of potato rots, of bacteria which cause them, and of means for 

 protection of the plants or tubers against such injury in the field or in storage. 

 The conclusions arrived at may for the most part be summarized as follows : 



Potato (soft) rots may be due to (a) obligate parasites which can primarily 

 cause such diseases (as Bacillus solaniperda) ; (b) facultative parasites, which 

 require the cooperation of other factors for their success (as Bacterium fluoreS' 



