958 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



describes two diseases of asparagus which have caused considerable 

 loss to asparagus growers in his State. The asparagus rust is due to 

 Puecinia asparagi. The other disease is apparently of fungus origin, 

 although it has not been determined. Cutting and burning over 

 infested fields in midsummer has been resorted to as a method of con- 

 trol, but it is questioned whether such treatment would not prove 

 harmful to the vitality of the plants if continued for several years. 

 Until some better method is discovered this means will perhaps be the 

 one most frequently employed. The use of fungicides, especially when 

 applied in large fields, the author thinks will not offer much help. The 

 character of the soil and method of fertilizing seem to be without any 

 particular effect in securing immunity from the disease. 



Recent investigations concerning the leaf spot disease of beets, 

 Frank (Ztschr. Ver. Rihbenz. Ind., 1897, p. 589; abs. in Centbl. Bait. 

 u. Par., 2. Abt., 3 (1897), N~o. 25-26, pp. 754, 755).— The fungus caus- 

 ing the characteristic gray spots on the leaves of the beet is said to 

 be Cercospora beticola, and while most evident upon the leaves it is 

 not confined to them, but invades the tissues of all the above-ground 

 portions of the plant as well as the roots themselves. The recent inves- 

 tigations of the author indicate that the fungus may be carried over 

 from one crop to another through the seed balls. Soaking them for 24 

 hours in a weak solution of Bordeaux mixture (2 to 4 per cent solu- 

 tions), after which they are spread to dry, is recommended as a means 

 for preventing much of the injury from attacks of this disease. 



Fairy ring disease of carnations, L. F. Kinney (Rhode Island 

 Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 203-206, pi. 1, Jig. 1). — An account is given of a dis- 

 ease of carnations which has proved of considerable injury to plants 

 grown under glass during the past season. The Daybreak variety 

 seems to be particularly susceptible to the disease. Attempts have 

 been made with several fungicides to prevent its attacks, but after 

 several weeks' trial all were abandoned except Bordeaux mixture. On 

 account of the discoloration due to Bordeaux mixture it reduces the 

 market value of the plants and should not be used for a considerable 

 time before blooming. The author thinks that the use of fungicides 

 during the summer and the planting only of strong, healthy plants in 

 the house will gradually reduce the amount of disease. 



Carnation rust, L. F. Kinney (Rhode Island Sta. Rpt. 1896, pp. 

 207-210, figs. 3). — Notes are given on the occurrence of carnation rust, 

 and the results of experiments with Bordeaux mixture are reported. 

 The fungicide was used with decidedly beneficial results on a bed of 

 McGowans when the plants were in bloom. The sprayed plants bloomed 

 more freely, but there was no indication that the mixture would com- 

 pletely control the attack. As in the case of the treatment for fairy 

 ring disease the application of Bordeaux mixture should be made early 

 in the season. 



Another troublesome disease of carnations is briefly reported upon. 

 It results in the deformity known among growers as " petrified " buds. 



