244 EXPERIMENT STATION EECOED. 



seeds kept in oxygenated water for 5 hours or more showed from 90 to 100 

 per cent sterilization as regards fungi and bacteria without impairment of the 

 germinating power. In some cases germination was even accelerated. 



Infection of grain by Fusarium and its significance in regard to grain 

 breeding and values, Schaffnit {Centbl. Bald, [e^c], 2. AM., 37 {1913), No. 

 1-3, pp. 53, 5.J). — The author states that infection takes place wliile the grain is 

 developing. Primary infection depends upon definite relations, such as structure 

 of the husk favorable to water entrance, water content of the grain (not less 

 than 35 per cent), and humidity of the atmosphere (SO to 100 per cent), con- 

 ditions fulfilled in times of rains when spores are carried by capillarity with 

 water into the spaces between grain and glumes, the grain so attacked being 

 light and imperfect. Secondary infection occurs Just before or during harvest, 

 the grain in this case being of full weight and size but showing red or brown 

 coloration. The results of primary infection show in the seedling. It is deemed 

 possible by selection and di.>^iufectiou of see<i grain to ie53sen materially the loss 

 from Fusarium attack. 



Snow mold, E. Voces (Deut. Landw. Presse, J,0 {1913), No. 19, pp. 229-231, 

 figs. 3). — The author states that this disease, attributed to Fusarium niiale, 

 although it is claimed by Schaffnit (E. S. R., 2!.), p. 47) that this is only one 

 of several fungi causing the trouble, was found not only in early spring but also 

 in October on grain which had been severely attacked in summer by stalk 

 disease (E. S. R., 2S, p. 445). As a result of experiments briefly discussed, he 

 inclines to the view that F. nivale is really identical with some of the numerous 

 fungi which persist during the entire year on grains and grasses, possibly with 

 Oijliioljohiii Jierpotriclius. Dryness of the air and vigor in the plant seem to 

 aid resistance to attack of the fungus. Top-dressing with nitrate of soda is 

 recommended to stimulate vigor. 



A disease of cereals in Russia, T. Vassiliev {Ehosmistvo, 7 {1912), Nos. 

 26, pp. 864-872; 21, pp. 903-009; aJjs. in Internat. Inst. Agr. [Rome]. Bui. Bur. 

 Agr. Intel, and Plant Diseases, S {1912), No. 10, pp. 2301-2303).— As the result 

 of a detailed study of the disease called zapal or zakvat, causing enormous 

 losses annually in southeast Russia, the author concludes tliat the cause of 

 this trouble is to be found exclusively in such factors as high temperature, dry- 

 ness, excessive insolation, dust fogs, etc.; and that severe attacks by iusects or 

 fungus diseases are not the cause but the effect of znpal which renders the plants 

 less resistant. Nothing has been done to control the evil, which seems to require 

 further investigation and perhaps extended statistical study. 



Smut experiments at the state farm, Bungeworgorai, R. E. Soutter 

 {Queensland Agr. Jour.. 30 {1913), No. 3, pp. 162, 163).— These experiments, 

 carried out in 1912 to test the value of several fungicides in reducing reinfec- 

 tion in treated grain which has been exposed to infection by untreated drills or 

 bags used for smutted wheat, are said to show a high value of arsenic as a 

 treatment for this purpose, the increase of smut by reinfection being only 3 per 

 cent. The experiments are to be continued next season. 



Combating grain smuts, L. Mtjli-er {Hess. Landic. Zischr., 1912, pp. 6!i6- 

 6Ji9; al)S. in Mycol. Centhl., 2 {1913), No. Jf, p. 225). — The author summarizes 

 the methods and means known at the present time for the control of grain 

 smuts. 



A hybrid wheat resistant to rust, C. G^nin {Jour. Agr. Prat., n. ser., 2^ 

 {1912), No. 36, pp. 301-303, figs. 2; abs. in Internat. Inst. Agr. [Rome], Bui. 

 Bur. Agr. Intel, and Plant Diseases, 3 {1912), No. 11, pp. 2531, 2532).— The 

 author claims to have obtained by crossing Rieti with Japhet a beardless wheat 

 with a full long grain, adapted to southeast France, and maturing early enough 

 to escape the rust. 



