972 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



leaves which were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture. In one case the leaves were 

 severely injured by the treatment, while in the other case there was little evidence 

 of checking the spread of the disease. 



A bacterial disease of Juniperus phcenicea, F. Cavara (Bui. Soc. Bot. Hal., 

 1898). 



Wet rot in potato, C. Weiimer (Ber. Devtt. Bot. Gesell , 16 (1898), pp. 172-177, 

 figs. %; aba. in Jour. Roy. Micros. Soc. [London], 1899, No. 1, p. 69) —The opinion is 

 expressed that the wet rot of the potato is not primarily a bacterial disease, but is 

 due to certain conditions of environment. The author's experiments show that 

 potatoes placed in moist positions, although exposed to aerial and contact infection, 

 remain free from wet rot if they are left uncovered; on the other hand, if covered, 

 the tubers will in a few days be affected with wet rot. When the environmental 

 conditions are suitable, the bacteria are active, and though it is possible that many 

 maybe able to produce decomposition, there are 2 species most frequently met with, 

 namely, Bacillus sp. and Amylobacter navicula. 



Recent observations on Pseudocommis, E. Roze (Bui. Soc. My col. France, 15 

 (1899), No. l,pp. 37-43). — Experiments with this myxomycete on beans are briefly 

 reported. 



Underground galls of beets and crucifers and their causes, von Dobeneck 

 (Bract. Bl. Pjlanzenschutz, 1 (1898), pp. 61, 62). 



Nematodes and means for combating them, C. Schkeiber (Ayronome, 1898, 

 Nos. 47, 48). 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



Some injurious insects, A. L. Quaint ance {Florida Sta. Rpt. 

 1898, pp. 56-72, pis. 4). — Notes are given on a number of insects which 

 have proved more or less destructive to certain economic plants. The 

 sweet potato prodenia (Prodenia commelinic), which has heretofore been 

 considered of little economic importance is described. During the fall 

 of 1896 and the summer of 1898, the larvae caused considerable destruc- 

 tion by feeding on tomato and Irish potato leaves. In a number of 

 places the insect has been observed feeding on sweet potato leaves and 

 has caused considerable damage to the crop throughout the regions 

 infested. After the foliage has been eaten the larva; have been observed 

 to migrate and attack various plants, such as crab grass, wild coffee 

 plant, partridge pea, tomato, okra, and tobacco. But little data are given 

 as to the life history of the insect. For its prevention the use of Paris 

 green at the rate of 1 oz. to 10 gal. of water, to which 1 oz. of quicklime 

 previously mixed should be added, is recommended. 



A number of scale insects are described, among them the snowy 

 chionaspis (Chionasjm minor), which has been abundant on the China 

 tree [Melia azederach). It has also been reported as feeding on palms, 

 cotton, capsicum, hibiscus, and grapevines. The appearance of the 

 scale is briefly described, and it is stated that thorough winter spraying 

 with strong whale-oil soap or a kerosene-and- water mixture might prove 

 efficient in destroying this pest. 



The fig scale (Asterolecanium pustulans) is known in the east coast 

 region of Florida, where it occurs on the fig, mulberry, and oleander. 

 The scale is somewhat circular in outline, slightly convex, and of a 

 yellowish color. Under a hand lens the scale is seen to be surrounded 



