844 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



Itliypliallns consitlerable injury is caused by Marasmius sacclmri hatcaiiensis 

 11. var., which also attacks cane, causing a root disease. The best means for 

 combating the root diseases are cultural methods, the use of resistant varieties, 

 the destruction of the fructifications, and the eradication of flies. 



The leaf-splitting blight, caused by Mijcosphcrrella stridtiformaiis n. sp.. is 

 especially destructive to young cane, particularly during the cool season. The 

 leaves show alternate colorations, and the tissues dry up, after which the 

 leaves split badly. No remedies are known for holding this disease in check. 



The rind disease described is due to TricJiosphwria sacchari, and it is said to 

 be a well-known disease that follows wounds on cane. It is very prevalent on 

 some plantations, and is to be combated by the use of resistant varieties and 

 the complete destruction of the spore-bearing dead stalks. 



The pineM])ple disease {Thielaciopsis cthaceticus) attacks plant cane through 

 the cuttings. It is characterized by a peculiar discoloration running through 

 the cane, accompanied by a more or less pronounced pineapple odor. The 

 soft varieties of cane seem very susceptible to this disease, and the use of tops 

 for planting is advised. In making cuttings for planting care should be taken 

 not to shatter the ends of the cane, and it has been found desirable to treat 

 the cuttings before planting with some fungicide such as Bordeaux mixture. 

 This fungus also attacks pineapples, sometimes causing severe losses. 



The disease called eleau is widespread, but does not seem to be of very great 

 economic importance. Young stalks are attacked here and there in the field 

 and appear discolored and shrunken, with dry leaves and leaf sheaths bound 

 together. Insects appear quite commonly within the leaf sheath and they 

 are possibly concerned with the disease. 



Technical descriptions are given of the different fungi concerned in these 

 diseases and about a score of new species of nematodes are descril)ed. These 

 are included, as the wounds formed by nematodes on the roots aid fungi in 

 gaining entrance to the cane plant. 



The heart rot of beets, C. Merle (Skci: Indig. et Colon., 69 (1907), Nos. 5, 

 pp. 125-129; 6. pp. l.'iS-152). — A description is given of beet root rot. due to 

 Phoma deta', or P. tahiflca of some authors, the ascigerous form of which is 

 now recognized to be Spha'reUa tahifiea. 



The disease usually makes its appearance late in summer, and seems most 

 destructive on certain types of soil during prolonged drought and on certain 

 varieties. Sandy soils containing an abundance of silica with rather imper- 

 vious subsoil appear to favor its spread. Associated with the fungus causing 

 the root rot are a number of other species, but the.v are shown to be completely 

 saproiihytic. 



For the prevention of loss by this disease the author recommends deep 

 plowing before the beginning of winter, the application of large quantities of 

 wood ashes to the soil, long, rotation, and the planting of some of those 

 varieties that have been shown to be I'esistant to the fungus attacks. 



Cabbage leaf spot {Gard. Chron., 3. ser., 1,1 {1901), No. lOo'j, p. 16.',).— In 

 response to an inquiry the editor states that the conidial stage of SpluvreUa 

 hrassicacola has become unusually common and destructive in parts of Eng- 

 land. For its prevention it is recommended that diseased plants be pulled 

 up and burned, the soil disinfected, and no cruciferous plants allowed to occupy 

 the soil for at least 2 years. Any unaffected plants should be sprayed with 

 Bordeaux mixture so as to prevent infection. The fungus seems to be 

 becoming increasingly destructive, and it is urged that means be taken to 

 prevent its spread by burning the dead leaves and other refuse. 



Stem canker and drop of cabbage plants, .1. Rttzema Bos (Ztselir. 

 rflniizcnkranlc, 16 {1906), No. 5, pp. 257-276, figs. 13).— As a result of studies 



