DISEASES OF PLANTS. 545 



hydrates, but that when the lime watei* is poureil very slowly the green color 

 of basic copper sulphate is seen. The alkaline mixture in process of applica- 

 tion is said to contain abundance of dissolvofi copper for fungicidal purposes. 



Further observations on the fungicidal action of Bordeaux mixture, B. T. 

 P. Barkkb aud C. T. Gimingham (Ahs. in Rpt. Brit. Assoc. Adv. ScL, 1913, p. 

 767). — This gives briefly the substance of a contribution already noted from 

 another source (E. S. R., 32. p. 243). 



The physiological effect of the absorbed copper on the treated plant is also 

 under investigation. 



Seed treatment to prevent diseases in field crops, O. A. Thompson and J. H. 

 Shepperd (North Dakota Stu., Rpt. Edgclcy Substa., 1905, pp. 19, 20).— Direc- 

 tions are given for the treatment of cereals, flax, and r>otatoes with formalde- 

 hyde solution for the prevention of the various diseases. 



Foot disease of cereals, Schkibaux (Bui. Soc. Nat. Agr. France, 74 (1914), 

 No. 4y PP- -'fi'^--'i-^3). — ^Tests were made in 1913 with a number of wheat varieties, 

 also some hybrids thereof, both in test plats and in the open field, as regards 

 susceptibility to foot or stalk disease. One of -these A-arieties, Poulard d'Aus- 

 tralie. seemed almost entirely resistant, this variety being later than native 

 wheats and showing a less rank vegetative growth in early spring. In general, 

 plats from seed of a given variety sown experimentally in both fall and spring 

 showed fewer affected plants from the spring sowing. It is claimed that 

 moderate vegetative growth and free access of sunlight are unfavorable to 

 development of foot disease of cereals. 



A cabbag'e disease, W. B. Grove (Jour. Roy. Ilort. Soc, 40 (1914), No. 1, pp. 

 76, 77, fig. i).— The author gives a brief description and the life history of a 

 cabbage disease prevalent in the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, and elsewhere during 

 the past winter. 



The perfect stage, known as Mycosphwrclla brassicicola, is said to be some- 

 what rarely found in that section, but the pycnidial stage occurs more com- 

 monly and abundantly and does considerable damage. This stage is said to have 

 been described formerly as Asteroma brassicw, but the author claims it should 

 be classed as a Phyllosticta and he describes this form under the name 

 P. brassicicola n. comb. 



The only view given regarding remedial treatment is that such measures 

 would probably prove to be of more expense than benefit in this case. 



A note on celery leaf spot disease, F. J. Chittenden (Ann. Appl. Biol., 1 

 (1914), ^0. 2, pp. 204-206). — The author states that he has been able to demon- 

 strate the infection of seedlings from seeds diseased by adhering spores of 

 Septoria petroselini apii which may be found, it is said, on about 90 per cent 

 of the celery seed offered for sale. The fungus also attacks celeriac. The 

 disease appears to spread more slowly during the seedling stage than later in 

 the season. 



Bordeaux mixture is said to afford satisfactory protection. 



Diseases of peas (Jour. Bd. Agr. [London], 21 (1914), ^'O. 5, pp. 418-423. pi. 

 1). — Powdery mildew of peas (Erysiphe polygoni), said to attack also many 

 weeds, is controlled by early spraying with liver of sulphur, 1 oz. to 4 gal. 

 of water. Mildew (Peronospora victor), attacking many cultivated and wild 

 legumes, requires employment of rotation, with Bordeaux mixture where out- 

 breaks occur. Rust (Uromyces fabw), which also attacks many members of 

 this family, is most satisfactorily controlled by the destruction of the teleu- 

 tospores, preferably by burning the vines. Black root rot (Thielavia basicola), 

 said to be almost omnivorous and described as attacking young jjoa soe<llings, 

 lives saprophytically in humus soils. Formalin of about 1 per cent strength 



