DISEASES OF PLANTS. 51 



Of 21 plants grown from seeds suspected to be infected 13 developed loose 

 smut and from these the fungus was cultivated, proving to be U. liordei iiuda. 

 The work is being carried forward with a view to the possibility of developing 

 a variety resistant to loose smut. 



Three cases of monstrosity in maize, L. de la BAEREa)A (Bol. Dir. Gen. Agr. 

 [Mexico'], Rev. Agr., 2 {1912), No. 9, pp. 803-808, pi. i).— The author gives a 

 description and discussion of three ears of maize presenting curious anomalies 

 of growth, two specimens showing attack by Ustilago maydis. 



The downy mildew of maize, E. J. Butleb {Mem. Dept. Agr. India, Bot. 

 Scr., 5 {1913), Xo. 5, pp. 275-280, pis. 2). — The author describes a disease of 

 maize due to t<clcrospora maydis, which is said not to have been previously 

 known in India. The fungus was first discovered in Java and made its appear- 

 ance on the Pusa Farm in 1912. The presence of the fungus becomes apparent 

 before the plants have attained full growth. The lower leaves are usually 

 normal, but the upper part is chlorotic. 



For the control of this disease prevention of the formation of oospores is 

 recommended, and for this purpose the removal and destruction of all diseased 

 plants before their wilting is advised. 



Observations on the downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) of pearl 

 millet and sorghum, G. S. Kulkarni {Mem. Dcpt. Agr. India, Bot. Ser., 5 

 {1913), No. 5, pp. 268-274, pis. 2). — According to the author this fungus is found 

 on pearl millet, sorghum, Italian millet, and teosiute. The effect of the fungus 

 on pearl millet and on sorghum is described at some length. 

 Cross-inoculations with cultures of the fungus taken from both the hosts failed 

 to produce infection. This is believed to have been due possibly to the fact 

 that infection occurs only at the seedling stage or that there may be biological 

 forms of the same species. The author is led to believe, from his investiga- 

 tions, tliat the two fungi are distinct and he draws up contrasting charactei-s 

 for the different varieties. He states that the conidia lose their vitality after 

 a few hours and that it is as yet unknown how the fungus passes from year to 

 year. A test made of the seed to determine whether they might carry the 

 fungus resulted in the production of sound plants. 



Foot disease of wheat, E. Robert {Jour. Agr. Prat., n. scr., 26 {1913), No. 

 Jf9, pp. 715, 716). — It is stated that foot disease of wheat is serious following 

 a mild, moist winter, resulting in a somewhat rank vegetative growth, and that 

 this disease is also favored by short term rotation, heavy seeding in the drill, 

 and varietal precocity of growth. 



Stalk disease of wheat, A. Boijeau {Prog. Agr. et Vit. {Ed. VEst-Centre) , 

 35 {1914), No. 8, pp. 242-247). — Noting the considerably increased intensity of 

 foot disease of wheat in 1913, the author states that certain factors appear to 

 be influential in this connection, as mild and moist winters, incomplete soil fer- 

 tility or wrong time of manuring, running the ground to wheat too constantly 

 year after year, and bad physical condition of the soil in the spring. 



Employment of later maturing varieties, as far as permitted by climatic con- 

 ditions, is suggested. 



Pythium debaryanum, E. J. Butlee {Mem. Dept. Agr. India, Bot. Ser., 5 

 {1913), No. 5, pp. 262-267, pi. 1). — A description is given of this fungus, which 

 is said to be of recent recognition in India. In the article the author describes 

 the attack on seeds of castor beans which had been sown in uusterilized soil. 



Potato diseases, E. Foex and C. Ferret {Vie Agr. ct Rurale, 3 {1914), No. 5, 

 pp. 129-134, fi9^- 2). — This is a condensed review of recent studies reported by 

 various authors on leaf curl, leaf roll, blackleg, etc., of potato, and their 

 alleged causes, in connection with preventive or remedial measures tested or 

 proposed. A bibliography is given. 



