152 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



p. 88(i), and that the sugar content of the beet is diminished in direct propor- 

 tion to the severity of the attack of the disease. 



After investigating this disease for several years the author failed to tind 

 any connection between the dry weight, sugar content, etc., of beets and the 

 presence of the disease. He also failed to discover that the worms had any- 

 thing to do with it. In regard to the fungus he reserves his opiuion until 

 furtht'r study. 



The selection of sugar cane cuttings in combating the red rot, E. .1. Butler 

 (Agr. Jour. India, .2 {l^lfn'), ^'o. 2, pp. 193-201, pis. 3). — An experiment in 

 selecting seed cane for the prevention of the red rot of sugar cane caused by 

 the fungus Colletotriclinm falcatum is described. 



An especially susceptible variety of cane was selected to test the effect of 

 planting the red-spotted and spot-free cuttings. The efCect of planting diseased 

 cuttings was so marked that the author suggests the inspection of all cuttings, 

 and. as the fungus often does not run through tlie whole cane, tops instead of 

 butt sections should be selected for planting. Experiments show that the 

 fungus does not persist long in the soil, and with the planting of more resistant 

 varieties and tlie examination of cuttings much of the present loss would be 

 avoided. 



The smuts of cereals; their distribution and prevention, O. Brefeld. O. 

 Appel, et al. {.JaJirb. Dciit. Laudir. Gcsell, 22 {1901). Xo. 1, pp. 75-91). — After 

 a review, showing the status of information regarding cereal smuts, an account 

 is given of various methods for their control. These include hot water, for- 

 malin, cojnier sulphate, and other treatments of the seed, and the efficiency of 

 the different methods in preventing smut as well as the effect of the different 

 treatments on the germination of the seed are discussed. 



Notes on Ustilago esculenta, S. IIori (Aiii). Mt/coJ., ■'> {1901), No. 2, pp. 

 l.JO-l.j-'i. pis. 2). — A description is given of this interesting smut which occurs 

 on species of Zizania, the smutted grains of which are said to be considered 

 quite a delicacy in Formosa. In describing the fungus comparisons are drawn 

 between specimens obtained in Formosa and in Tokio, the Formosa material 

 being much larger in every way. On account of the differences, the author 

 has given an amended description of the fungus and describes its germination, 

 distribution, etc. The smutted plants are said to retain their greenish color 

 for a long time in the autumn and as a consequence are readily distinguished 

 from the normal plants. The smutted shoots assume a long spindle shape and 

 remain within the leaf sheaths for a long time. The leaf shoots of the Formosa 

 specimens attain a length of 10 to 20 cm. or 2 to 4 times larger than those 

 hitherto reported. 



Some diseases of cereals caused by Sclerospora graminicola, E; .1. Butler 

 {Mem. Dcpt. Aijr. India, Bot. >s'c;-., 2 {1901). No. 1, pp. 2'/. pis. 5).— A diseased 

 condition of pearl millet is described in which the heads are transformed into 

 curious leafy proliferations due to the presence of the above fungus. Otlier 

 portions of the plant are subject to attack, the mycelium of the fungus having 

 been found in the stems, leaves, and various parts of the flower spike. Tech- 

 nical descriptions are given of the various i)hases of the fungus. 



The same organism is said to attack Andropogon sorghum, causing a condition 

 known as shredding of the leaves. The fungus occurs in the leaves of this 

 plant, where it destroys the parenchyma, resulting in the torn condition. 



In addition to the above, F>. granrinicola occurs on Italian millet and teosinte. 

 Upon the latter host plant only the sporangial stage has been observed. 



The characters observed for the fungi on all these hosts agree with those 

 given for Sclerospora, 3 species of which are recognized, and the author believes 



