364 EXPEKIMENT STATION EECORD. 



A test of the vitality of seed corn, A. D. Shamel {Illinois Sta. Ciir. 49, pp. 4)- — 

 A method of testing the vitality of seed corn is outUned and the appHcation of the 

 results suggested. 



Tests of the vitality of vegetable"*seeds, E. H. Jenkins ( Connecticut State Sta. 

 Rpt. 1901, pt. 4, pp. S86-'J94). — In continuation of the previous report (E. S. R., 12, p. 

 563), the results of testing 689 samples of vegetable seeds are given. Tables presented 

 showing the average, maximum, and minimum vitality of all seeds tested at the station 

 since the adoption of the methods of testing recommended by the Association of 

 American Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations. A report is also given on 

 the vitality of onion seed as affected by age, as well as comparisons between Cali- 

 fornia and Connecticut grown seed. As in the previous report the vitality of the 

 California-grown seed surpasses that of the local-grown. A report is given showing 

 the vitality of Connecticut-grown onion seed of various crops from 1894 to 1900, in 

 which consideraljle fluctuation in the average germination is shown. As in the pre- 

 vious report, differences are o])served in the sprouting capacity of different varieties 

 of onion seed, the White Portugal appearing to be distinctly inferior to the other 

 varieties. 



Conditions influencing- the vitality and germination of seeds, J. W. T. 

 DuvEb {Ahs. in Science, n. .sv*-., K! (/90J), No. 39,5, p. I.i7).—The effect of various 

 climatic conditions, especially the deleterious influence of warm, moist climates on 

 the vitality of seed, is shown. Necessary con<litions for keeping seed in such unfa- 

 vorable climates were discussed at some length, showing that the first recpiisite for 

 prolonged vitality of seed is a reduction in the amount of hygroscopic moisture pres- 

 ent, thereby diminishing the respiratory activity and consequently prolonging the 

 life of the seeds. 



The removal of the -wing's from the seeds of conifers, F. JNIain {.Jour. Agr. 

 Prat., n. ser., 4 {1902), No. 40, pp. 4.i6-4.)S). — The wings which occur on the seed of 

 many species of conifers to aid in their natural dissemination, are said to be more or 

 less troublesome in handling the seed and in sowing them in nurseries. On this 

 account various mechanical means have been suggested for the removal of the seed 

 wings, and a method in use in France is described at considerable length. 



The destruction of -weeds, G. IIeuze {.Tonr. Agr. Prat., n. ser., 4 {1902), Nos.SS, 

 pp. 283-285; 41, pp. 473, 474) . — De^■criptions are given of a number of troublesome 

 weeds and suggestions for their eradication. 



DISEASES OF PLANTS. 



Notes on plant diseases, F. 1). Chester {DeUnvare Sta. Bui. 57, pp. 16, figs. 6). — 

 Notes are given on some diseases of cantaloupes, pear and apple canker, treatment 

 of asparagus rust, winterkilling of dewberries, sun scald of Japanese plums, and fire 

 blight of pears. The portions of the bulletin describing the diseases of cantaloupes 

 and pear canker are essentially reprinted from the Annual Report of the Station 

 (E. S. R., 14, p. 260). For the prevention of the leaf blights of cantaloupes thor- 

 ough spraying with Bordeaux mixture at intervals of 2 weeks during the growing 

 season is reconunended. For the prevention of stigmonose spraying with kerosene 

 emulsion or other insecticide for the destruction of melon aphis is advised. For the 

 pear canker the formaldehyde-glycerin treatment is again recommended as the most 

 efficient remedy. 



In 1901 the asparagus rust was less destructive than during the 2 preceding sum- 

 mers, but was serious enough to demand careful investigation. Asparagus was 

 sprayed with Bordeaux mixture, to which 2 lbs. of resin soap was added to each 

 barrel of fungicide. The results warrant the recommendation of this treatment as a 

 rust preventive; it should be used wherever the rust has been especially troublesome 

 the previous season. 



The winterkilling of dewberries has been under investigation. It is believed that 



