DISEASES OF PLANTS. 481 



of its appearance in Australia, the susceptibility of varieties, symptoms and time of 

 attack, losses due to the fungus, conditions favoring the disease, etc. In addition, 

 the results of experiments in spraying for the control of this disease are given, and 

 directions for the preparation and application of fungicides. The experiments have 

 shown that this disease may be readily prevented by the thorough use of Bordeaux 

 mixture, for which purpose a 6-4-40 formula is preferred. 



The witches' broom of plums, C. Bossu (Rec. Biol. Expt. Appl. Ayr., 1 (1901- 

 1903), pp. 387-390; abs. in Bot. Centbl, 96 (1904), No. 34, p. 186). — A- description is 

 given of the witches' broom of plums, due to the fungus Exoascus i)>xtiti;r. The mal- 

 formation described seemed to be restricted to plums of the Damson type, and the 

 mycelium is readily traced through the bark parenchyma, phloem, xylem, and med- 

 ullary rays. 



For combating the disease it is recommended that the witches' brooms should be 

 cut out, the twigs being cut back at least 50 cm. below the malformations. The 

 wounds should be treated with a solution of iron sulphate, after which they should 

 be covered with coal tar. As a means of preventing the spread of the disease the 

 trees should be sprayed several times with Bordeaux mixture. 



The coffee disease in Oaxaca, A. L. Herrera (Bol. Com. Par. Agr., 2 (1904), 

 No. 5, pp. 207-276, pis. 8). — A summary of information regarding a rust of coffee due 

 to the fungus Stilbella flavida. The information given is derived from various sources, 

 as well as the investigations of the commission that were carried on in Oaxaca and 

 other parts of Mexico. In addition to the above-named fungus other species are 

 considered. The value of Bordeaux mixture for the control of leaf diseases of this 

 character is pointed out. 



Progress of cranberry spraying- experiments, C. L. Shear (Proc. Amer. 

 Cranberry Groivers' Assoc, 35 (1904), pp. 6-8). — This is a report on the experiments 

 which are being conducted by the Bureau of Plant Industry of this Department for 

 the prevention of cranberry scald or rot, by the use of Bordeaux mixture. At the 

 time the report was made the indications were that from 75 to 90 per cent of the 

 fruit on the sprayed plats was free from rot. 



In an experiment reported by E. H. Durell, acting under the direction of Mr. 

 Shear, a small bog of about 3 acres was overflowed June 6. As the water entered 

 the bog about 20 lbs. of sulphate of copper per acre was dissolved in it. Up to the 

 time of the report the bog showed an unusual absence of rot, indicating that the treat- 

 ment had been effective. The treatment killed the # fish in the stream. 



Two new grape pests in Hungary, G. de Istvanffi (Ann. Inst. Cent. Ampelol. 

 Roy. Hongrois, 3 (1904), No. 1, pp. 55, pis. 3, figs. 15).— The author describes 2 new 

 parasites of the grape, the stinkhorn fungus (Ithyphallus [PliaUus] impudicus) and an 

 acarid (Cupophagus echinopus). Both attack the roots of the grapevines, causing a 

 very considerable loss. 



The stinkhorn fungus has usually been considered as a saprophyte, but its frequent 

 occurrence in many vineyards and on numerous varieties of grapes has led the author ' 

 to conclude that the fungus has acquired a parasitic habit. Thus far the fungus has 

 been found only on vines grown in sandy soils, and in Hungary it has 2 distinct 

 periods of development, the aerial forms appearing in May and later toward the end 

 of August, continuing until late in the autumn. The habit of the fungus, methods 

 of growth and attack, effect produced on the host plant, etc., are described, and for 

 its prevention burning infested vines and the fruiting bodies of the fungus wherever 

 found, watering about the vines with a solution of calcium bisulphid, together with 

 a renewal of the soil about the vines, are recommended. 



In addition to grapes the fungus is known to attack the roots of the black locust, 

 honey locust, and other plants. The mite mentioned is briefly described and notes 

 given on its distribution, habits, etc. 



