DISEASES OF PLANTS. 345 



The matei'ial is arranged according to the sequence of the various classes 

 of fungi and when used in connection with the extensive host index the student 

 can readily determine what fungus diseases are to be expected on different 

 host plants. Bibliographies of important contributions to the knowledge of the 

 different diseases are given. 



The author has prepared a AaluabJe reference book on the fungus diseases of 

 plants in AmeJ'ica. It is rather remarkable that in view of the great activity 

 in mycology and plant pathology during the past 20 or 30 years there has 

 not previously l)een a general text or reference book of American origin upon 

 this subject. 



Report of the section for plant protection, 1908, A. Lemcke (In Bericht 

 iiber die Tatif/kcJt der Pflanzcnscliutzstclle and iiber das Auftrcten von Kranlc- 

 hciten and tierischen Schddlingen an Kulturpflanscn in der Provinz Ost- 

 preusscn im Jalire 1908. Konigshery, 1909, pp. 1-36). — Notes are given on th'.? 

 weather conditions during the growing season of 1908 and the influence of the 

 weather on \arious crops, as shown by their condition and yields. The rela- 

 tion of crops to climate and weather is discussed and descriptive notes and sug- 

 gestions for treatment are given of a number of plant diseases observed during 

 the year. The distribution in East Prussia of the diseases of the more im- 

 portant crops is indicated. 



Notes on some plant diseases, G. LIjstner and H. Morstatt (Ber. K. 

 Lehnaist. Wcin, Ohut u. (Inrtcnbau Geisenheitn, 1908, pp. 9Jf-9S). — Notes are 

 given on a leaf disease of currants, American gooseberry mildew, Fusarium 

 disease of beans, and a leaf disease of beech trees. 



The leaf disease of currants is caused by Glwosporium ribis, a fungus that 

 almost defoliates the plants. An investigation made of the susceptibility of 

 different varieties indicated that the Red Holland was practically free from 

 disease when other well-known varieties of currants were either entirely de- 

 foliated or the foliage was injured to a considerable extent. 



The Fusarium disease of beans is similar in many ways to the wilt described 

 by Appel and Schikorra (K. S. R., 18, p. 64.5), but the cause of this disease is 

 believed to differ somewhat from that previously noted. It is believed that 

 from a study of the material the form occurring on beans is either a variety or 

 a race of F. I'oseum. 



The leaf disease of the beech is said to be due to (iJcensporium fagicohim. 



The disinfection of seeds, R. Mares (Bui. Agr. Alg&rie et Tunisie, 15 (1909), 

 No. 19, pp. Ji37-Ji40). — Compiled data are given relating to the treatment of 

 seed for smut prevention, the treatments described being formaldehyde solu- 

 tion, hot water, corrosive sublimate, and sulphate of copper. Directions for the 

 preparation of these fungicides and their use are set forth at length. 



Smut preventives, J. Murray {Canada Expt. Farms Rpts. 1909, pp. 275, 

 276). — A brief account is given of the results of treating seed grain with for- 

 malin, copper sulphate, and other fungicides for the i)revention of smut. The 

 grain was not seriously infested, as shown from the small amount of smut on 

 the check plats, but where treated with formaldehyde or copper sulphate solu- 

 tions there was no smut whatever. The other treatments, such as hot water, 

 sulphid of potassium, sulphate of iron, anti-fungi, etc., were either less effectual 

 in reducing the disease or their methods of application are too tedious to 

 permit of their general use. 



Experiments in combating the loose smut of grain, W. Detken (IUus. 

 Landw. Zig., 29 (1909), Xo. 83, pp. 783, 78//).— The results of experiments with 

 modified hot-water treatments for the control of loose smut of cereals are given, 

 particular attention being devoted to the combating of the loose smut of 

 summer wheat. 



