592 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Experiments were conducteil in 2 .separate localities, and the time of appearance 

 and subsequent reappearance of the fungus in an epidemit;al form is given. Con- 

 siderable difference in susceptibility of varieties is noted, Delaware, Brighton, 

 Catawba, Concord, and several others being but little affected, while Goethe and 

 Salem grapes were badly diseased and Niagara was affected the wonst of all. Most 

 of the experiments were on the latter variety, although small blocks of other varie- 

 ties were sprayed. The fungicide used was J5ordeaux mixture, several different 

 formulas of the preparation being used, and as a rule 6 applications were given 

 the vines. In addition to spraying, the effect of inclosing the launches of grapes in 

 paper bags, picking off diseased leaves and berries, and tlie effect of fertilizers were 

 investigated. The results of the different treatments are shown, together with the 

 relative cost. 



The experiments showed that ordinarily spraying with a 6:4:50 solution of Bor- 

 deaux mixture gave the best results, but in wet seasons, or during hot, wet, or muggy 

 weather a stronger solution should be used. Bagging was found to protect the fruit 

 from the fungus, but did not have the advantage possessed by the Bordeaux mixture 

 of protecting the foliage and thus prolonging the growing season of the vines. The 

 cost of spraying averaged $15.52 per acre. 



The use of copper in combating- gray rot of grapes, C. de James {Prog. Agr. 

 et Vit. {Ed. L'K^l), 24- {1903), No. 46, P- 571).— Aw account is given in which the 

 author complains of the inefficiency of copper compounds as a means for the pre- 

 vention of this disease. Applications were made of a mixture of triturated sulphur, 

 sulphosteatite, and superphosphate, but after a brief period of rain the disease 

 appeared with great destructiveness on both treated and untreated vines. 



Powdery milde-w and some grape hybrids, J. de Bouttes {Prog. Ayr. et Vit. 

 {Ed. L' Est), 24 {1903), No. 43, pp. 547, 548). — An account is given of the resistance 

 of certain hybrids to powdery mildew. These hybrids have been produced at 

 Flamarens, and represent the crosses of a number of different varieties. Some of 

 the best hybrids are found to be the most resistant to the powdery mildew, as shown 

 by their appearance at the close of the season. Where no fungicides had been used, 

 one particular variety was found not only resistant to powdery mildew, but to the 

 downy mildew as well. 



The change in coloration of copper and sulphur fungicides after prepara- 

 tion, J. M. GuiLLON {Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 136 {1903), No. 24, pp. 1483, 

 1484)- — In a previous communication (E. S. R., 14, p. 669) the author called attention 

 to the possibility of combating downy and powdery mildew of grape by applications 

 of Bordeaux mixture and sulphur. This mixture simply holds the sulphur in sus- 

 pension, and it is found that if not used immediately a decided change takes place 

 in the color of the solution, which at length becomes nearly black. This change is 

 the result of the formation of insoluble sulphur compounds. If this change does 

 not take place it is an indication that the adherence of the compound has been 

 diminished and that the solution should be used immediately after preparation. 



A pepper vine disease, C. A. Barber {Planting Opinion, 8 {1903), No. 35, pp. 

 618-621). — The author describes some diseases to which pepi^er vines are subject, 

 dividing them into 3 classes, one of which is called "canker," the second due to the 

 attack of nematodes, while the third is caused by the presence of the mycelium of 

 some fungus growing in the vessels of the plants to such an extent as to prevent 

 their water conduction. Each of the diseases is briefly described and a suggestion is 

 given for a possible prevention. 



The dry-rot fungus, C. von Tubeup {Naturw. Ztschr. Land- u. Forstw., 1 {1903), 

 Nos. 3, pp. 89-104; 7, pp. 249-268, ph. 2, figs. 4).— On account of its economic import- 

 ance studies were made of Merulius lacrymans, the dry-rot fungus of timber. The 

 occurrence and distribution of the fungus are commented upon, and investigations 

 reported on the possibility of the fungus living parasitically in the living trees, its 

 winter condition, spore formation, growth, and results of culture experiments. 



