DISEASES OF PLANTS. 457 



proved the identity of the disease in the two countries, and the organism causing it is 

 now said to be T. liorrida. The appearance of the disease in South Carolina is traced 

 to an importation of Japanese seed rice made in 1896. 



Sclerospora macrospora, a parasite of maize, G. Cugini and G. B. Traveeso 

 {Staz. Sper. Agr. ItciL, 35 [1902), Xo. J, j^P- 40-4!^). — A preliminary note is given on 

 the oc(;urrence of Sclerospora macrospora upon maize. The fungus has been previ- 

 ously described as parasiti(r on plants of the genus Alopecurus in Australia. 



Experiments in combating- millet smut, L. Hecke {/Jschr. Laiuhv. Versuchsiv. 

 Oesterr., 5 [19i)2], Xo. L pp. 2^-28). — The results of experiments, in which millet 

 seed w'as given a preliminary treatment with solutions of copper sulphate, sulphuric 

 acid, corrosive sublimate and formalin, are reported. A preliminary soaking of the 

 seed for 5 J hours in a 0.5 per cent solution of formalin gave the best results, the plants 

 produced being almost entirely without smut. The fungus in this case is Ustilago 

 crameri. 



Clover sickness, V. Axzimirov {Selsk. Khoz. i Lyesov., 204 {1902), Mar., pp. 

 523-342). — A rejiort is given of experiments and observations of the author, and 

 extensive quotati(jns given from the investigations of Levitski, on the cause of clover 

 sickness. The autlior quoted states that there is a continual struggle between the 

 clover plant and the bacteria living in its roots. During the first period the Ijacteria 

 live at the expense of the clover, receiving from it the carbohydrates necessary for 

 their development. In the second stage the clover feeds upon the nitrogenous sub- 

 stances produced by the bacteria from the nitrogen of the air. Under ordinary con- 

 ditions it is claimed that 2 distinct periods can be noticed in the development of the 

 clover. While furnishing carbohydrates to the bacteria the growth is somewhat 

 retarded, but when it begins drawing upon the nitrogenous substance in the tubercles 

 the development proceeds rapidly. It is believed that too great a number of bacteria 

 in the soil, many of which fail to be transformed into bacteroids, produces the 

 so-called clover sickness. The author concludes that the a^jplication of artificial 

 fertilizers and the reduction of the use of staljle manure will, to an extent, prevent 

 the occurrence of clover sickness. — p. fireman. 



A rust spotting- of potatoes, F. Bubak {Ztschr. Landw. Vcrsuchsir. Oesterr., 5 

 {1902), No. 3, pp. 396-398).— A description is given of a disease of potatoes in which 

 the tubers presented spots of the color of iron rust. The tissues of the affected areas 

 were brown and hard and had a decidedly bitter taste, M'hile the sound tissue was 

 of normal appearance. A microscopical examination showed marked differences in 

 the tissues of the sound and diseased portions, and it is believed that the trouble was 

 due to a fertilizer of turf acting upon the soil elements, resulting in an iron compound 

 which had an injurious effect upon the development of the tubers. 



Tomato blights, N. A. Cobb {Agr. Gaz. New South Wales, 13 {1902), No. 4, pp. 

 410-414, ,tiys. ;?).— Desci-iptions are given of 2 blights of tomato, one of which i.s well 

 known and the other of more recent discovery and less known. The first disease is 

 the tomato leaf blight, due to Septoria li/copersiae, which is described at some length, 

 and the destruction of diseased material and the protection of vines with Bordeaux 

 mixture are recommended. In addition, drainage of soil, trellising of the vines, and 

 pruning are advised, together with the rotation of crops when convenient. The 

 second disease of the tomato described is designated as rosette. This disease 

 has made its appearance quite recently and seems to be of widespread occurrence. 

 The losses due to it are usually confined to a few isolated plants, although mention 

 is made of the destruction of a large number in one locality. The disease is char- 

 acterized by the formation of rosettes of small leaves at the ends of the branches 

 of the half-grown vine. Such vines seldom produce fruit of any considerable size, 

 and when fruit is matured it is of a peculiar appearance and of questionable value. 

 So far as the author's o])servations go, there is little evidence that the disease spreads 

 from plant to plant, and in the present unsatisfactory state of knowledge of this 



