DISEASES OF PLANTS. 349 



tested as to their effects on this disease, the auimonium salts showing no ap- 

 preciable advantage over the saltpeter. The physical condition of the soil as a 

 probal»le factor in the cause of the disease was also studied. 



Premature seed formation in beets, M. Gonnermann (Bl. Zuckerriihenbau, 

 16 {1909}, ^'os. 2L />/*. .lil-327; 22, pi). .3'/i-J'/,S; aU. in Ceiithl. Bali, [etc.'], 2. 

 Abt., 26 (1910), No. 16-17, pp. 7J,8, 7J,9).—The author claims that the premature 

 formation of the flower stalks of the sugar beets during the first year of growth 

 is an acquired habit produced in the development of the sugar beet from the 

 common beet, aided b.v temperature, weather conditions, and the early planting 

 of the seed. Beet seed from premature one-year stalks when planted late rai-ely 

 developed the premature seed stalks, but produced a large yield in weight and 

 sugar content. 



The premature seed formation of the sugar beet, H. Briem (Ztschr. Zuckcr- 

 indus. Bohmcn, S.>, (1909), No. S, pp. 169-171; ahs. in Ccntbl. Bakt. [etc.], 2 AM., 

 26 (1910), No. 16-17, p. 'i79). — The author discusses the supposed causes of the 

 premature seed stallv formation of the sugar beet during the first year of its 

 growth. It is stated that this premature growth usually appears after a long, 

 dry summer, followed by warm, wet weather about the middle of September. 

 This starts the plant cells into renewed activity, and a consequent seed stalk 

 formation occurs. 



The stinking smut of wheat and its control (Landw. Ztsclir. Rheinprovinz, 

 10 (1909), No. JfO. pp. 585, 586). — This is a popular discussion of this smut, 

 together with a description of the various well-known methods used for its 

 control. 



The bacterial soft rots of certain vegetables, H. A. Harding, W. J. Morse. 

 and L. R. Jones (Vermont Sta. Bui. / JT, pp. 243-360, figs. JO).— This reports 

 cooperative work with the New York State Station, and has been noted as 

 Technical Bulletin 11 of that station (E. S. R., 22, p. 640). 



The wilt disease of melons, E. Pantanelli (Italia Agr., 45 (1909), pp. 

 221-224; A&.S-. in CentbL Bait, [etc.], 2. AM., 26 (1910), No. 8-9, p. 292).— 

 Attention is called to the increasing prevalence and severity of this disease, 

 which has been known for a number qf years in Italy under different names, 

 and which threatens serious injury to various cucurbit crops, especially cucum- 

 bers. The cause is supitosed to be Fiisariiim nireiim. 



A ba'cterial soft rot of muskmelon, caused by Bacillus melonis n. sp., 

 N. J. Giddings (Vermont t<ta. Bui. 1)8, pp. 363-416, Jigs. 14). — An account is 

 given of a soft rot of the muskmelon caused by a bacillus, in which the patho- 

 logical history and mor])hological, cultural, physical, and biochemical characters 

 are described. 



This disease was first called to the author's attention in 1907, and a con- 

 siderable loss of Montreal muskmelons due to this cause reported (E. S. R., 20, 

 p. 345). The organism causing the disease was isolated and cultural and otlier 

 experiments conducted with it, from which the author concluded that it is 

 capable of developing as a wound parasite not only upon the muskmelon but 

 upon several other host plants. Its behavior in cultures indicated that it could 

 live indefinitely as a saproi)hyte under favorable conditions. 



In connection with the investigation an attempt was made to control the 

 disease, and as a result the author recommends spraying with Bordeaux 

 mixture as a general preventive, supporting the melons so as to keep them from 

 contact with the soil, and the immediate removal of all diseased melons from 

 the field. It is thought that probably a field in which the rot has been seriously 

 prevalent should not be used for at least three years, to avoid the possibility of 

 infection. 



