752 EXPEEIMENT STATION EECOKD. 



posed dependence of L. temidentum and A. rosea on the symbiotic fungi wliicli 

 commonly infest them. He claims that they may and do exist absolutely in- 

 dependently of their fungus symbionts without changing their character in any 

 degree. He holds that the necessary dependence of the host on the fungus does 

 not exist. 



Stem rot of carnations, M. A. Blake and A. J. Farley (Neic Jersey Stas. 

 Rpt. 1010, pp. 78-81). — Severe losses due to stem rot of carnations have been 

 reported by florists in several parts of the State. It has been found that the 

 disease is especially severe upon plants that are bruised or injured in cultiva- 

 tion or during the process of benching. The stations have carried on experi- 

 ments to determine means by which the losses can be reduced, and red shale 

 soil has been studied with a view to its adaptability for the growing of car- 

 nations. The results of a test of this soil mixed with different proportions of 

 sand and with and without composted manure are described. 



The results indicate that the addition of composted manure to soils of the 

 red shale type intended for the forcing of carnations increases the danger oi 

 loss by stem rot, also that the addition of considerable sand with the composted 

 manure further increases the danger of loss. The stations have succeeded in 

 growing carnations successfully upon red shale soil without the use of com- 

 posted manure, and if proper physical conditions of the soil can be secured 

 and chemical fertilizers used, it is believed that there will be little danger 

 of loss from fungus diseases. 



Toot rot of carnations, L. Fondaed {Petite Rev. Agr. et Hort., 18 (1912), 

 Nos. 416, pp. SO, 81; -il8, p. 103; 420, p. 128).— This is a brief synthetic discus- 

 sion based on investigations conducted mainly by others. 



This disease, known also as root disease, branch disease, etc., and found 

 mainly in the coastal region of France, though also occurring in other parts, 

 is ascribed to a fungus, Fusarium dianthi, which may manifest itself in and 

 near the roots or in other and all parts of the plant. It is said to be per- 

 petuated either by mycelium carried in the cuttings and developing with these, 

 or by spores, some of which are thought to live for one or more years on debris 

 and roots in soil and to be carried to sound plants by the operations of cultiva- 

 tion, by manures, and especially by irrigation with a strong dashing stream of 

 water. 



As preventive measures, the most critical examination of cuttings is recom- 

 mended, also rotation of plants so as to give time for all spores to die in the 

 soil. 



A disease of the leaves of the garden geranium, Ali Riza (Bui. Trimest. 

 Soc. Mycol. France, 28 {1912), No. 2, pp. l/f8-150, figs. 2).— The author de- 

 scribes a disease of the leaves of the garden geranium {Pelargonium peltatum) 

 which is attributed to Coniotkyrium trahuti n. sp. A technical description of 

 the fungus is given. 



An anomaly of Pelargonium capitatum, P. Baccarini (Bttl. ^oc. Bot. Ital., 

 1912, No. 4, pp. 67-7J/, fig. 1). — The author gives a description of certain ex- 

 crescences observed on this plant and an account of his studies as to their origin 

 and real nature. Regarding these, however, he offers as yet no very decided 

 opinions. 



Polystictus versicolor as a wound parasite Of catalpa, N. E. Stevens 

 {MycoJogia, 4 {1912), No. 5, pp. 263-270, pis. 2).— During 1911-12 the author 

 tas investigated the wood rots of catalpa in Kansas, particularly with refer- 

 ence to second growth stands. 



It has been found that the most serious wood rot of living catalpa is caused 

 by P. versicolor and that coppice shoots on partly decayed stumps are less 



