452 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.40 



of the fruit and sometimes the entire pear. The blotches resemble very closely 

 the natural russet coat characteristic of certain varieties of pears, and it is 

 thought that this fact has prevented the previous recognition of the parasitic 

 nature of the disease. It is believed to be unquestionably of fungus origin, the 

 organism causing it being very similar to the common sooty blotch fungus 

 (Leptothyrium pomi). 



The author claims that the disease may be readily controlled by two rather 

 late sprayings in addition to the regular spring treatments. Weak Bordeaux 

 mixture has proved somewhat more effective than dilute lime-sulphur solutions. 



Plum pocket and leaf gall on Americana plums, 1>. B. Swinoi k ami EL EL 

 Morris (Montana Ma. Bui. 12S (1918), pp. 167-188. fig*. 6; abs. in Cirr. 77 

 (19t8)' pp. 151-164, flff*- 6). — According to the authors, the growing of Ameri- 

 cana plums in Montana has boon greatly hampered by attacks of a fungus and 

 ail insect pest. The fungus causing the plum pocket Is said to be Taphrina 

 communis. T. pruni. which is reported as attacking European plums, has not 

 been observed in Montana. The symptoms of the disease and the causal fungus 

 are described at considerable length, after which the authors give an account 

 of spraying experiments for the control of the phim pocket and also the leaf 

 galls caused by the mite Briophyea pruni (see also p. 469). 



As a result of their experiments, the authors claim that the plum pocket can 

 be controlled by spraying with lime-sulphur, either self-boiled or commercial, 

 only a single application being necessary. This may ho given at any time from 

 n late dormant condition to th<' time when the Sowers are beginning to open. 

 Some evidence has been obtained indicating that the fungus persists as a peren- 

 nial mycelium in the twigs, but most of the fruits are Infected by Bpores. The 

 leaf gall mite is said to be easily controlled by spraying with dilute lime-sulphur 

 while the trees are still dormant. 



A bibliography of literature relating to T. communis ami T. pruni is given. 



The life history and parasitism of Eocronartium muscicola, EL M. Krrz- 

 patbick (Phytopathology, 8 1 1918), No. 5, pp. 197-218. pi. l. fig*. 4). — A descrip- 

 tion is given of this fungus, which attacks mosses, with a discussion of related 

 species occurring on a number of other host plants. 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLOGY. 



[Economic insects and their control in Kansas] (Trans. Kan*. State Wort. 

 Soc, 84 (1916-17). pp. 182-212). — Included in this work are papers on Practical 

 Insecticides and Proper Application, by S. J. Hunter (pp. 182 192) ; Some Im- 

 portant Work of the 8"ear 1916 Relating to Horticulture (pp. 192 200), and 

 Some Entomological Work for the Year 1917 Relating to Horticulture (pp. 

 201-20S), both by G. A. Dean; and the Spring Cankerworm : An Orchard and 

 City Problem, by S. J. Hunter (pp. 209-212). 



[Report of] the entomology department, R. A. Coot.ey (Montana Sta. Ifpt. 

 1917. pp. J/? 248, fig. 1). — In the course of a discussion of the financial loss 

 caused by insects, estimates are made relating to the comparative loss occa- 

 Bioned by the sugar beet louse as based on the number of irrigations. The data 

 presented emphasize the Importance of Irrigating five instead of two or three 

 times. 



The most notable entomological feature of the season Is said to have been 

 an outbreak of grasshoppers In various parts of the State, particularly in Flat- 

 head, Missoula, and Sanders Counties. It Is estimated that in control work 

 10,000 lbs. of white arsenic was used in making the poison bait. 



Fifteenth annual report of the State entomologist of Montana. R. A. 

 Coot.ey (Montana Bta. Bui. 121, (1918). pp. 19S-248. fig. 1).— This consists in 



