644 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The mahali or koleroga disease of areca nut palms, due to Phytophihora 

 omnivora, was not so severe this year, so that the contrast between trees 

 sprayed with Bordeaux mixture and unsprayed trees was not so great as 

 formerly. 



Successful inoculations were obtained with the grain smut (Cintractia sorghi 

 vulgaris) and head smut {Ustilago reiUa)ia) on Guinea corn. 



[Plant diseases in New South. Wales in 1913-14], G. P. Darnell-Smith 

 {Rpt. Dept. Agr. N. S. Wales, 191Jt, pp. 32, 33}.— It is stated that the disease 

 due to Colletotrichum glcco.tpohoides, known locally as brown spot, has causeil 

 serious loss in case of Emperor mandarin trees in the Gosford district. Thorny 

 mandarin has resisted infection in the field though not in the laboratory. The 

 former variety is cropped continuously, the latter biennially. The disease 

 appears likely to become a serious pest. It is found on stems, leaves, 

 and fruits. Black spot of oranges due to Phoma citricarpa is still prevalent. 

 Ar miliaria mellea has done considerable damage to citrus trees. 



The finding of fructifications of Sphwropsis nialorum permitted the identifica- 

 tion of this fungus as the cause of an apple canker in two localities. Gloeo- 

 aporium sp., another cause of canker, was also prevalent during the year. It is 

 thought the several forms of Glcesporium formerly regarded as distinct are 

 really modifications of the same species. This fungus has caused much damage 

 to several fruits, especially to passion fruit, on which it is known as brown 

 spot, and inoculations from which cause bitter rot in several other fruits. 



Wheat mildew (Erysiphe graminis) has been somewhat prevalent. Bunt, or 

 stinking smut (Tillctia tritici and T. Icvi-i), is still found on inferior wheats. 

 No better treatment has been found for seed wheat than that already noted by 

 Ross (E. S. R., 32, p. 49). The same treatment checks fiag smut {Urocystis 

 tritici). Examples of faulty germination have shown the presence of a fungus 

 apparently new, provisionally assigned to the Podosporiella. 



Black rot of cabbage due to Pscudomonas campc.<<tris has been noted. 



Black spot, common among tomatoes and generally associated with bacteria 

 and Macrosporium sp., seems to be dependent also upon drought conditions, the 

 plant developing a natural immunity when given sufficient water. 



Bunt or stinking smut of wheat, F. D. IIkai.d and H. M. Woolman {Wash- 

 ington Sta. Bui. 126 (I'.il')), pp. 3-24. ;>'«■ 4- fiff- -?)•— The results of an investiga- 

 tion, in cooperation with the Office of Cereal Investigations of the U. S. De- 

 partment of Agriculture, of stinking smut of wheat due to Tillctia tritici 

 are given. The authors discuss the causes of the disease, the effect of the smut, 

 and methods of invasion and of control. This disease is quite serious in the 

 Northwest, in some instances causing almost total destruction of crops. 



Marked variation in susceptibility of varieties to stinking smut is noted, and 

 it is thought that probably their use will offer partial relief from serious loss. 

 Investigations show that the smut spores are blown to a considerable distance, 

 thus interfering with the usual methods of control. The authors reconunend 

 treatment of the seed wheat, unless it is known to be free from the smut, with 

 either formalin or copper sulphate, the latter being preferable for Washington 

 conditions. Early seeding or late fall planting are recommended as additional 

 methods of control, and where possible crop rotation should be followed. 



A Podosporiella disease of germinating wheat, P. J. 0'Gai?a (Phyto- 

 pathology, 5 (1915), lYo. 6, pp. 323-326, pis. 2). — A detailed account Is presented 

 of a disease of germinating wheat, a preliminary notice of which has already 

 been given (E. S. R., 33, p. 847). The fungus causing this disease is said to be 

 P. vcrticillata n. sp., a technical description of which is given. 



An anthracnose-resistant Bed Kidney bean, M. F. Bariu's (Phytopathol- 

 ogy, 5 (1915), Xo. 6, pp. 303-311, figs. 4). — In a previous publication (E. S. R., 



