146 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



seed with coi>per sulphate, formalin, and copper sulphate to which common salt 

 is added, it was found that the addition of salt to copper sulphate solution 

 materially increased its efficiency. Treatment of seed for 10 minutes in a solu- 

 tion of 1 lb. copper sulphate, 1 lb. common salt, and 5 gal. water, or with a 

 formalin solution, 1 lb. to 40 gal. water, for 30 minutes, is suggested. In either 

 treatment it is recommended that the grain be immersed in an open tank, thor- 

 oughly stirred, and the smut balls which float on the surface skimmed off. It 

 is also recommended that treated seed be tested for germination so as to deter- 

 mine the amount to be sown, as machine-threshed seed was found to be severely 

 injured, and such seed, when treated, showed low vitality. 



Some studies are briefly outlined on soil treatment to determine the life of 

 the smut in the soil and on times of planting. 



A new disease of asparagus, P. Voglino (Ann. R. Accad. Agr. Torino, 56 

 {1913), pp. 176-180). — A fungus attacking leaves of Asparagus officinalis is 

 claimed to be a new species and is described under the name Leptothyrium 

 asparagi. 



A fungus disease of hemp, Vera K. Chables and Anna E. Jenkins ( U. S. 

 Dept. Agr., Jour. Agr. Research, 3 {1914), No. 1, pp. 81-84, pi. 1, fig. i).— The 

 authors describe Botryosphceria marconii on hemp. The disease was called 

 to their attention in September, 1913, on a variety of hemp grown for experi- 

 mental puii^oses by this Department. Although the disease did not make its 

 appearance until the plants were nearly full grown, it was rapid in its action, 

 about two weeks having intervened between the time when it was first noticed 

 and the death of many of the plants. The authors consider the imperfect stage 

 of the fungus identical with that described as Dendroplioma marconii, the per- 

 fect stage not having been hitherto recognized. The name B. marconii n. sp., 

 is given it. 



Smut in Kafir com, I. B. P. Evans {Agr. Jour. Union So. Africa, 7 {1914), 

 No. 6, pp. 811-814, figs. 2). — ^A description is given of this disease due to 

 Sphucelotheca sorghi, with directions for treatments recommended. These 

 include steeping or sprinkling with formalin solution 1 lb. to 30 gal. of water, 

 soaking with copper sulphate 1 lb. to 10 gal. of water, and immersion in water 

 heated to 135° F. 



Some diseases of the potato. — II, Black dot disease, Ethel M. Doidge {Agr. 

 Jour. Union So. Africa, 7 {1914), No. 6, pp. 879-882, figs. 4)- — Continuing pre- 

 vious work (E. S. R., 32, p. 50), the author notes a disease of potatoes not 

 hitherto reported in South Africa and attributed to Vermicularia varians. The 

 author prefers the descriptive name black dot disease to that of French potato 

 scab which has been applied to the disease elsewhere. 



Preventive measures include burning all diseased plants and the nonuse of 

 suspected tubers for seed and of infected soil for planting either potatoes or 

 tomatoes. It is not yet known how long the sclerotia in the soil may con- 

 tinue capable of spreading the infection. 



Potato scab and sulphur disinfection, C. D. Shebbakoff {New York Cor- 

 nell Sta. Bui. 350 {1914), pp. 705-743, figs. 2).— The results are given of a series 

 of experiments conducted to determine the value of sulphur for preventing 

 potato scab and its effect on the subsequent crop and on its possible fertilizing 

 value. After a summary review of the literature relating to experiments 

 where sulphur was used for scab control, the author describes in detail his 

 investigations carried on in 1911,. 1912, and 1913, unusual precautions having 

 been taken to reduce the experimental error. 



As a result of his experiments the author concludes that sulphur treatment 

 of the soil against potato scab, when applied at the rate of from 450 to 900 lbs. 



