160 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECOED. 



Study of a new bacterial disease of the potato, G. Delacroix ( Compt. Rend. 

 Acad. Sci. Paris, 133 {1901), No. 24, pp. iftSO-iftS;?).— In a previous publication (E. 

 S. R., 13, p. 1058) the author described a bacterial disease of potato which was then 

 attributed to the organism which had been previously described as Bacillus solanace- 

 arum. Subsequent studies have led to the conclusion that the disease in question is 

 not to be attributed to this organism but to another, apparently undescribed, to which 

 the name B. solanincola is given. The effect upon the host and the action of the 

 organism in various media are described. The author states that tomatoes are also 

 affected by this organism, but that they are less susceptible than potatoes. The 

 organism is believed to be present in the soil, from which it spreads to the plants, 

 and unfavorable meteorological conditions are a contributive cause of the infection. 

 Associated with it is frequently found the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, which proves 

 quite destructive, and the mycelia of other fungi have also been isolated. Their 

 presence is attributed, however, to the penetration of the plant by the bacteria. 



Asparag-us rust, W. T. INIacoun [Canada Expt. Farms Rpts. 1901, pp. 110-113). — 

 The asparagus rust {Pncdnla. asparagi), which has been rejjorted from a number of 

 localities in the United States within the past 5 years, has made its appearance in 

 Canada, being reported at the Central Experimental Farm for the first time during 

 this season. The life history of the fungus and suggestions for its treatment are 

 given, the statements being largely compiled from New York State Station Bulletin 

 188 (E. S. E., 13, p. 147). 



Cantaloupe blight in 1901, H. H. Griffin {Colorado Sta. Bid. 68, p)p. 12-14). — 

 In continuation of the investigations on this disease (E. S. R., 13, p. 362), work was 

 planned in treating the seed with Bordeaux mixture, and in spraying to determine the 

 time at which it is most efficient. The work attempted at the station grounds was 

 destroyed by a hail storm the latter part of July. Sprayings at a number of localities 

 reaffirmed the general efficiency of Bordeaux mixture. Two prominent features 

 were brought out in the investigation, one of which was the necessity of avoiding the 

 use of heating manures previous to planting melons, and the other the need of rota- 

 tion of cantaloupes with other crops. Comparisons between fields planted the latter 

 part of March and early in May showed that while the season was one of the most 

 favorable for extremely early planting there was no advantage over planting a month 

 later. 



Nematodes as enemies of garden plants, A. Osterwalder {Gartenfiora, 50 

 {1901), Xo. 13, pp. 337-346, pi. l,fig. 1). — A description of nematodes, together with 

 suggestions for their eradication are given. 



Canker of apple trees, H. IIasselbrixi; {Illinois Sta. Bui. 70, pp. 225-239, pis. 4). — 

 Descriptions are given of some of the fungi which cause diseases known as canker of 

 fruit trees, and of a new canker disease, designated as the Illinois apple-tree canker, 

 which is doing serious damage in the apple orchards of Illinois. This canker is 

 caused by the fungus Nummularia discreta, which has long been known, and as a 

 saprophyte has frequently been reported on various hosts in Europe and America, 

 but hitherto has not been reported as a parasitic organism. The disease was first 

 noticed in the apj^le-growing regions of southern Illinois during the past season. 

 Within an infected orchard the disease is usualh' scattered, the infected trees occur- 

 ring here and there. The canker wounds are usually formed on the larger limbs 

 near the trunk of the tree, from which they extend upward on the limb, and fre- 

 quently down into the trunk. The appearance of the canker varies with age. At 

 first the spots are inconspicuous, so that they are readily overlooked by the casual 

 observ^er. In the earliest stages the diseased bark has an unhealthy, dirty brown 

 appearance, and is usually depressed a little below the living bark. The spots vary 

 in size, sometimes attaining a diameter of 6 in. They grow most rapidly in the 

 direction of the long axis of the limb. The interior of the spot has a mottled appear- 



