1918.1 DISEASES OF PLANTS. 553 



by dark sunken spots on the fruit and shoot. The infection gives entrance to 

 fungi which destroy the fruit. 



A bacterial spot of citrus fruits, Ethel M. Doidqe (Agr. Jour. So. Africa, 

 2 (1915), No. 11, pp. lSO-182, pis. 2). — This is a condensed account of the disease 

 noted above. 



Bud rot of the coconut palm, C. H. Knowles {Dept. Agr. Fiji Pamphlet 20 

 {1916), pp. 2). — A brief general account of coconut bud rot in other places is 

 followed by a sketch of conditions noted in Fiji, with suggestions regarding 

 points to be observed in suspected cases. 



Investigation of diseases of the rose (Oard. Chron. Amer., 21 {1911), No. 6, 

 p. 2^5). — Investigations carried on since August 1, 1916, In northeastern United 

 States are said to sliow that the more important rose diseases prevalent, in 

 their order, are black spot, mildew, crown gall, stem canker, Phyllosticta leaf 

 spot, rust, bud rot, and miscellaneous leaf spots. Fungi and bacteria causing 

 other diseases are being studied. 



A disease which appears to be new and important is briefly described 

 under the name crown canker. Specimens have been sent in from many 

 points extending as far west as Missouri. It was first observed by the author 

 in September, 1916, but has possibly been present for four or five years. All 

 rose varieties appear to be susceptible. The attack occurs just beneath the 

 soil surface, advancing slowly, but killing the plant eventually after a decline 

 in the number and quality of the flowers. Control experiments are now under 

 way. The fungus is thought to live in the soil and to necessitate soil sterili- 

 zation when the organism has once gained a foothold. 



Montana forest tree fungi. — I, Polyporaceee, J. R. Weib {Mycologia, 9 

 {1911), No. 3, pp. 129-131, pi. i).— The present list, confined to the Poly- 

 poracese, is the first part of a classified record intended to include the names 

 of all forest tree fungi of importance to be found in Montana. 



Observations on forest tree rusts, J. R. Weik and E. E. Hubert {Amer. 

 Jour. Bot., 4 {1911), No. 6, pp. 321-335, figs. 2).— It is suggested, in view of 

 comparisons made (pending a study of cultures which is considered necessary 

 for finnl determination), that Uredinopsis copelandi be considered as identical 

 with U. pte7-idis, a technical description of the secial stage of which is given. 



Data briefly noted indicate the presence of a biological species of Puccini- 

 astrum pustulatum occurring on Epilobium adenocaulon and overwintering by 

 means of mycelium and uredinia upon the rosettes which live until spring. 



Studies carried out on Coleospormm soUdaginis occurring on Aster and Soli- 

 dago are said to confirm the conclusions of Mains (B. S. R., 36, p. 647) regard- 

 ing the wintering habit of this fungus. 



A practical method of preventing the damping-off of coniferous seedlings, 

 C. A. Scott {Jour. Forestry, 15 {1911), No. 2, pp. 192-196, pis. 2).— A method 

 said to be practical and highly satisfactory is described of sterilizing forest 

 nursery seed beds with steam delivered at 120 to 160 lbs. pressure for from 35 to 

 45 minutes under inverted pans previously weighted down. This plan has 

 stood the test of use for two seasons very favorable to the fungus, causing 

 the damping-oflf of coniferous seedlings, except in the case of the Engelmann 

 spruce. The unsterillzed beds of all species showed almost a total loss. Ger- 

 mination in the sterilized beds occurred from two to four days earlier and 

 was more nearly complete, giving a considerable saving in the cost of seeds. 

 This methods also destroys all w:eed seeds, thus eliminating the cost of weeding 

 and counterbalancing thereby the entire expense of sterilizing the beds. The 

 seedlings in the sterilized beds made a much more vigorous growth, attaining 



55096°— 18 5 



