846 EXPERIMENT STATION KECOED. [Vol. 35 



for steeping seed grain decreased germinability, the effect increasing with both 

 the concentration and the duration of contact. The loss of germinability of 

 oats was not over 6 to 7 per cent, that of wheat reaching higher figures. On 

 the whole, preference is given to the copper sulphate when used in connection 

 with lime to decrease its harmful effect. 



A pathological alteration in the leaves of Ag'ave sisalana, G. Catalano 

 (Bol. R. Giard. Colon. Palermo, 2 (1916), No. 4, pp. 225-230).— A brief descrip- 

 tion is given of a disorder affecting the leaves of A. sisalana, causing discolora- 

 tions and excrescences. No parasite was found in connection with the trouble, 

 which is thought to be related to climatic, soil, and other conditions. 



Violet root rot of alfalfa in Virginia, F. D. Feomme (Phytopathology, 6 

 (1916), No. 1, p. 90). — Attention is called to the presence in Virginia of the root 

 rot of alfalfa due to Rhizoctonia crocorum (R. violacea). This disease was 

 first noted in a single field in Virginia (E. S. R., 33, p. 544), but this, together 

 with the present record, is said to extend materially the known distribution of 

 the fungus in the United States, as it had not been definitely reported previ- 

 ously from the Atlantic States. 



Note on the white spot of alfalfa, C. H. Obabill (Phytopathology, 6 (1916), 

 No. 1, pp. 91-93, figs. 2). — The occurrence of white spot disease of alfalfa leaves 

 in Virginia is noted. This disease is characterized by rectangular, whitish- 

 translucent spots on the leaves. Affected plants are usually unthrifty and 

 make a poor growth, and it is considered probable that most of them soon die. 

 Upon examination of the root system of the affected plants the upper surface 

 of the crown was always found in a state of decay, and from the diseased tissue 

 was isolated a species of Fusarium and one of Acrostalagmus. 



The fact that the crowns of plants affected with white spot always show 

 injury white those unaffected do not has led to the conclusion that crown 

 injury is responsible for these spots. 



Melanose of celery, G. N. Doeogin (Mat. Mikol. i Pitopatol. Ross., 1 (1915), 

 No. 4, pp. 57-76, figs. 9). — The author states that celery in Russia is attacked 

 by Septoria petroselini apii, also by a species claimed not to have been known 

 previously and here described as S. apii graveolentis n. sp. The latter Is said 

 to cause even more trouble than the former. Both may be found on the same 

 plant. A critical review is given of the species of this group so far as pre- 

 viously reported. 



Remedial measures suggested for both diseases include careful selection of 

 seed, treatment of seed with formalin (1:300 for two hours), rejection of 

 plants showing brown spots on cotyledons or leaves, destruction of all diseased 

 material left after harvesting, and deep fall spading of diseased beds. 



Cotton wilt in Georgia, A. C. I-ewis (Ga. Bd. Ent. Bui. 40 (1915), pp. 18, 

 pis. 8). — Noting publications previously issued on cotton wilt in Georgia, the 

 author gives some of the results secured in this work to date by the Georgia State 

 Board of Entomology, in cooperation with the Bureau of Plant Industry of the 

 U. S. Department of Agriculture. 



The fungus of cotton wilt attacks only cotton and okra, though it has been 

 known to survive a ten-year rotation. The employment of rotation, though 

 evidently advantageous, is rendered less effective by the large number of plants, 

 both cultivated and wild, that are attacked by Eeterodera radicicola. This 

 disadvantage may now be largely met, it is claimed, by use of the Iron variety 

 of cowpea, which is very resistant to nematodes. 



It is stated that among the several more or less resistant strains recently de- 

 veloped in this State, wilt-resistant cotton has been obtained within the last five 

 years that is sufficiently early to be grown with profit under the boll-weevil condi- 

 tions which are expected soon to extend throughout this region. 



