262 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The fungus growth seems to attack the fruit late in the season and to 

 be strictly superficial, but aside from the unsightly condition of the 

 fruits apparently producing no serious injury. The author is inclined 

 to believe that the disease is due to the fungus which has been deter- 

 mined as Dothittca pomigena, but a spot disease of Baldwin apples fi?om 

 the Vermont Station which di tiered widely in appearance has been 

 determined as due to the fungus named. In the author's opinion the 

 Vermont fungus is entirely different. 



Experiments with Bordeaux mixture show that if this fungicide is 

 applied at intervals of two weeks from the middle of June to the middle 

 of August it will entirely prevent the appearance of the sooty fungus. 



Although apparently occurring principally on Rhode Island Green- 

 ings and a few other varieties, it is probable that the fungus will, under 

 favorable conditions, attack most varieties of apples and pears, but all 

 observers agree in stating that it may be controlled by the use of 

 Bordeaux mixture. 



Preliminary investigations on a disease of carnations, W. C. 

 8TUKGIS (Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1897, pp. 175-181). — The variety of 

 carnation known as William Scott grown in the station greenhouse 

 was observed as exhibiting a marked diseased condition. The disease 

 appeared first as a yellowing of the lower leaves, which later became 

 dry and dead. As the disease progressed, the whole plant became in- 

 volved and was ultimately destroyed. The disease, which is properly 

 known as "die back" or "stem rot," has been determined as due to a 

 species of Fusarium which gains access to the tissues at or just below 

 the surface of the soil. The mycelium accumulates in the water ducts 

 of the stem, thus preventing the free transfer of water. The author 

 discusses the relationships of this form with other species and thinks 

 probably itis identical with Fusarium nirenm, described by E. F. Smith 1 

 as the wilt fungus of watermelon and allied plants. 



There is a strong probability that the disease may be communicated 

 by cuttings and that the spores of the fungus are capable of retaining 

 their vitality for several months, living over winter in the earth. Where 

 practicable, as in greenhouses, etc., sterilizing the soil by means of steam 

 or hot air would be effective in preventing attacks of the fungus. In 

 sterilized soil the only possible source of contamination would be through 

 the introduction of diseased cuttings. Certain varieties are more sus 

 ceptible to the disease than others, the variety William Scott being one 

 of those most subject to the attack. The immediate removal and 

 destruction of all plants showing diseased symptoms are recommended. 



Some diseases of olives, F. T. Bioletti (California Sta. Rpt. 1895- 

 1897, pp. 234-236, pi. 1). — The author briefly describes some of the more 

 troublesome diseases of olives that have recently come to his observa- 

 tion. In one of these the olives, from their outside appearance, seem to 

 be perfectly healthy, but on being cut open show black spots and little 



Amer. Assoc. Adv Sci., 43 (1894), p 289. 



