mSEASKS OF PLANTS. 648 



The root tuiuor, which is snid (o attiick piirticularly siisar heets, has heen 

 attributed to a iiuniher of caiisfs, tliat most conunonly occurring beiug the 

 fuugus Urot>Jtl!/vtis leproidcs. 



The end or fiber rot of g-inseng seedlings, II. 11. Whetjjkl (Spec. Crops, n. 

 tier., 8 (1909), \<i. S'l. iiji. I '/.i-l'il, pys. 2). — A dest-ription is siven of a disease 

 of ginseng seedlings due to Thiclavia hasciold. This fuugus not only attacks 

 the seedling roots but also causes a destruction of the older plants. The symp- 

 toms by which this disease may be recognized are premature discoloration of 

 the foliage, followed l>y a bronzing or yellowing of the leaves which finally take 

 on a reddish tinge as though ripening in autunni. In general 2 and 3 year old 

 plants are found to suffer more seriously than older ones. Ui)on the young 

 plants it results in the decided stunting of the root growth. 



On the basis of other investigations for the control of this fungus, the.author 

 reccmnnends the application of any substance that will reduce the alkalinity of 

 the soil. Exi)eriments have shown that acid phosphate is quite effective. 



Dry rot of the potato, C. P. Lounsruky (Ar/r. Jour. Cape (load Hope, 35 

 (1909), \o. J, pp. Ji2--'f8, flgs. 3).— An account is given of the dry rot of the 

 potato, which is also known as " stem-end rot," " white rot," and " winter rot," 

 and is attributed to the fungus Ncrfriii Nolaiii. Attention is called to similar 

 diseases due to FuHarium aolani and F. oxysporuin. and the statement made 

 that the Fusariums are probably the couidial phase of Nectria. The importance 

 of the disease as it occurs in South Africa is pointed out. tlie infection ap- 

 parently having been introduced on imported seed. Suggestions are given for 

 tlie prevention of loss due to this fungus, the means adopted being rotation of 

 crops, the use of healtliy seed, the destruction of all diseased tubers, and the 

 storing in cool, well-ventilated places of all sus])ected ])otatoes. 



Brown rot or twig blight, W. W. Froggatt (Ayr. (iaz. N. S. Walen, 20 

 (1909). Xo. 3, p. 202). — The author notes the sudden appearance in several 

 districts of New South Wales of the brown rot fungus (Monilia fructigena). 

 On examination many twigs and leaves were found to be dead, but the fungus 

 seemed to have been checked in its spread by the hot weather. Nectarines suf- 

 fered particularly from this disease, and peaches and .Japanese plums were 

 injured to some extent. 



Two prevalent cherry diseases, W. H. Hein (Insect Pe.'^t aiul Plant Disease 

 Bur. \ebr.. Div. Bot. Circ. 2. pp. ), pgs. 2). — Popular descriptions are given of 

 the powdery mildew (Podosphwra o.ryacanthw) and the cherry shot-hole dis- 

 ease caused by the fungus CiiUndrosporiina padi. together with suggestions for 

 their control. 



A fungus-like appearance on imported and exported apple trees, D. Mc- 

 Alpine (Jour. Dept. Agr. Victoria, 7 (1909), No. 7, pp. Ji3-5--'iS9. figs. 5).— A 

 description is given of a fungus-like appearance that was observed on branches 

 and stocks of apples occurring in Australia or imported into the Transvaal. 

 The presence of this peculiar development resulted in the rejection of a large 

 importation as infectetl with some fungus, but a study by the author siiowed 

 tliat it was due to an abnormal development of lenticels, from which there 

 was exuded a loose white powder which gave the impression of spores of a 

 fungus. 



Bitter pit of the apple, 1). McAi.imne (Jonr. Dept. Agr. Victoria. 7 (1909). 

 No. 7, pp. .'i.V.t-.'i'il). — The author calls attention to the bitter pit of the apple, 

 a ra4^her common disease in Australia which is believed to be identical with 

 that described by Brooks as fruit spot of apples (E. S. R., 20, p. S47). 



Downy mildew of the grape, W. H. Hein (Insect Pest and Plant Disease 

 Bur. Ncbr., Div. Bot. Circ. -'/, pp. (J, figs. 3). — A description is given of the 



