DISEASES OP PLANTS. 4'7 



Spraying- experiments at West Maitland for the prevention of potato blight, 

 W. J. Allen (Agr. Gas. N. 8. Wales, 21 (1910), No. 7, pp. 571-576, figs. 6).— 

 The usual beneficial results are reported for spraying with Bordeaux mixture 

 iu controlling the late blight (Phytoplithora infestans)' even when the applica- 

 tions were delayed till after the fungus had appeared. No appreciable differ- 

 ences were observed between the results obtained from the use of Bordeaux 

 mixture and copper soda spray. 



A disease of rhubarb (Peronospora jaapiana), P. Magnus (Bcr. Deut. Bot. 

 GeselL, 28 {1910), No. 6, pp. 250-253) .—The author describes a new leaf-spot 

 disease of rhubarb {Rheum rhaponticum) under the name of P. jaapiana n. sp. 



Studies on the fungi of rice in Japan, I. Miyake {Jour. Col. Agr. Imp. 

 Univ. Tokyo, 2 {1910), No. J,, pp. 237-276, pis. 2).— This has been previously 

 noted from another source (E. g. R,, 23, p. 347). 



On tumor formation in sugar beets, K. Spisab {Ztschr. Zuckerindus. 

 Bohmen, 34 {1910), No. 11, pp. 629-634, figs. //).— A general description of the 

 characteristics of this disease is given, together with an anatomical study of 

 the structure of the tumors. It is claimed that the disease is caused by a 

 mechanical injury to the root system of the beets. 



On the premature seeding in sugar beets, Neumann {Deut. Lamlw. Presse, 87 

 {1910), No. 25, pp. 279, 2S0).— The author states that during May, 1909, there 

 were 5 late frosts while for the same month in 1908 there was none, and that 

 the May of 1909 was very hot and dry while in 1908 this month's rainfall was 

 normal. These unfavorable weather conditions during the May of 1909 seemed 

 to be the cause of the unusually large amount of premature seeding of sugar 

 beets. 



The diseases of sugar cane, C. W. Edgerton {Federal Reporter, 11 (1910), 

 No. 9, pp. 11-13; La. Planter, /,^ {1910), No. 21,, pp. 484, 485).— A paper read 

 before the Louisiana Sugar Planters' Association, summarizing Bulletin 120 of 

 the Louisiana stations previously noted (E. S. R., 23, p. 648). 



A new disease of sulla, L. Montemartini {Riv. Patol. Veg., 4 {1910), No. 11, 

 pp. 165-167). — A description is given of a leaf spot 'disease of sulla due to 

 Anthostomella sullai n. sp. This fungus produces on the upper surface of the 

 leaves large dark spots, which gradually extend to the middle of the leaf, caus- 

 ing it to curl and wither up. 



Wheat smuts and scab, N. Schmitz {Maryland Sta. Bill. 147, pp. 40-45). — 

 Descriptions are given of the loose and stinking smuts of wheat, and of wheat 

 scab, together with directions for their control. 



The dying of fi-uit trees and the leaf -roll disease of the potato, K. Stormer 

 {Jaliresher. Ver. Angeiv. Bot., 7 {1909), pp. 119-170, t)l. 1, figs. 15).— In a fur- 

 ther discussion (E. S. R., 23, p. 350) of the general symptoms, causes, etc., of 

 the peculiar dying of fruit trees in certain sections of Europe, the author com- 

 pares the syni])toms of the diseased species (cherry, apple, and currant) with 

 the characteristics of the leaf-roll disease of the potato. 



He concludes that as the external symptoms are similar and the disease 

 begins in each cases in the roots, the primary cause must be unfavorable soil 

 conditions (such as too much acid, alkali, or water, a deficiency in the food or 

 water supply, or a poor physical condition of the soil) which weakens the 

 vitality of the plants, thereby permitting the entrance of parasites, such as 

 Botrytis riUs for the currant, Valsa leucostoma for the cherry, a similar fungus 

 for the apple, and a Fusarium, VerticilUum albo-atriim, etc., for the potato, 

 which finally cause the death of the plants. The removal of these unfavorable 

 soil conditions by proi)er cultivation, rotation of crops, drainage, and fer- 

 tilizers, and the control of the fungi by disinfection of the soil with carbon 

 bisulphid, etc., are recommended. 



