DISEASES OF PLANTS. 867 



abnormal quantity is believed to be due, to some extent at least, to the partial starva- 

 tion of the cells!. As the cutting of the nudberry i)lants in the growing season causes 

 deficiency in the nutriment for the newly developing shoots, this seems to afford a 

 strong sui)port for the above at^sumption. 



The appearance of white rot of grapes in Algeria, J. I). Catta and A. Maige 

 {Oompl. Rend. Acad. Sci. Pari^, 133 {1901), No. 10, pp. 444, 443). — The occurrence 

 in Algeria of white rot, caused by Chnrrinia diplodiella, is reported. It seems to be 

 more severe in its attack on some varieties of grapes than others, causing the destruc- 

 tion of two-thirds of the crop of Aramon and Alicante, and about one-third of the 

 crop of Carignan. For its prevention the authors reconnnend the thorough use of 

 Bordeaux mixture. 



Black rot and mildew, G. Cazeaux-Cazalet {Rev. Vit., 16 {1901), Nos. 408, 

 jyp. 393-397; 409, pp. 419-4.^4; 410, pp. 452-45S, figs. 4)- — The results of observations 

 on the period of invasion of black rot and mildew are given. The time of appear- 

 ance of these diseases in a number of localities in France have been under investiga- 

 tion for a number of years, and with some allowance for climatic conditions the first 

 invasiqn may be noted npon the vines about the first of May; the second, about the 

 middle of IMay; the third, the first of June; the fourth, about June 25; and the fifth, 

 about July 20 to 25. The appearance of these attacks is preceded l)y infection about 

 2 weeks previous, and in treating the disease by spraying or use of sulphur advantage 

 should be taken of these rather definite periods. 



The treatment of vineyards for the prevention of mildew, N. Passerini and 

 P. Fantechi (.46s. in. Ann. A(jron., 21 {1901), No. 6, p. 294). — On account of the high 

 price of copper salts, the authors have investigated means for protecting grapevines 

 against the downy mildew. A number of fungicides were experimented with and the 

 conclusions show that a 1 per cent solution of Bordeaux mixture is efficient in prevent- 

 ing the attacks of the mildew. For the first treatment, when the leaves are small and 

 tender, it may be reduced to 0.5 per cent with good results. In connection with the 

 above experiments the authors found that spraying with a 2 per cent soap mixture 

 containing lime was eflicient in destroying insects of the genera Cochylis and 

 Eudemis. 



Table grapes and fungicides, E. Chuard {Chron. Agr. Canton Vaud, 14 {1901), 

 No. 18, pp. 445-447). — In reply to numerous correspondents, the author states that 

 the use of properly prepared fungicides upon table grapes need not be followed 

 with any serious consequences. During the present year, on account of a severe 

 attack of mildew, it was necessary to spray the grapes later than usual. Examina- 

 tion of a large number showed that while slight traces were present upon the outside 

 of the grape, the author failed to find any trace of copper in the pulp. The very 

 small quantity that is found on the skin of the grape is not sufficient to be a source 

 of any danger. In wine made from sprayed grapes in which fermentation has been 

 completed, the copper is said to be in an insoluble and innocuous state. 



A means for the i revention of shelling of grapes, H. Dauthenay {Rev. Hurt., 

 73 {1901), No. 17, p. 402).— The author describes a disease of grapes in which the 

 fruit falls from the cluster, similar to the disease known in this country as shelling 

 or rattles. For the prevention of this disease he recommends the pinching or cut- 

 ting off of the shoots after the development of 6 to 8 leaves where grapes are borne, 

 or 12 to 15 on those shoots not carrying any grapes. In this way the material 

 elaborated by the vine is carried to the grape clusters instead of being iitilized for 

 greater growth of shoots. This method has been employed a number of times with 

 complete success. 



A tea eelworm disease in South India, C. A. Barber {Dept. Land Records 

 and Agr., Madras, Vol. II, Bid. 45, pp. 227-234, pis. S).—K nematode disease of tea 

 plants was first called to the author's attention as occurring on a single estate in 

 Madras. The plants were badly attaiked by the nematode lleterodera radicicola, and 



