154 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Insects and fungus diseases, W. Lochhead {Ann. Rpt. Ontario Agr. Cot. and 

 Expt. Farm, 30 {1904), pp. {0-49, figs. 5). — After discussing fungi as a cause of plant 

 diseases, their methods of growth, infection, and control, the author gives keys for 

 the recognition of the diseases of apples, peaches, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, 

 grapes, etc. 



Report of the department of bacteriology, F. C. Harrison {Ann. Rpt. Ontario 

 Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm. 30 {1904), PP- 117-128, figs. 6).— A report is given of the 

 work carried ou in the bacteriological laboratory during the season, particular atten- 

 tion being given to the preparation of nitrogen cultures for different leguminous plants, 

 and investigations on the bacterial diseases of cucumbers, cabbage, and beans, and 

 fire blight, 



In discussing the cucumber wilt, the author describes the appearance of the plants 

 affected by Bacillus tracheiphilus, and gives popular directions for the recognition of 

 the disease. Where the disease is suspected it is suggested that a wilted vine be 

 broken and if the juice is slimy it is safe to conclude that the wilt disease is present. 

 If this test is not satisfactory, the transfer into young fruits of juice from wilted 

 vines is suggested, after which the inoculated fruits are placed in a vessel and kept 

 slightly moist for 4 or 5 days. If the bacillus is present at the end of this time there 

 will appear a white, viscid, bead-like drop of bacterial growth exuding from the 

 punctures made by the transfer needle. 



If symptoms of disease develop in the inoculated fruit it is recommended that all 

 wilted vines be pulled up and burned; and to prevent further spread, measures 

 should be taken to combat the squash bug and the striped cucumber beetles, as it 

 has been found that these insects carry the organisms from diseased to healthy plants. 



Notes are given on the black rot of cabbage due to Pseudomonas canrpestris, which 

 has caused considerable injury to cabbage and cauliflower and is also reported as 

 attacking Swedish turnips. More extended notes have been given of the other bac- 

 terial diseases mentioned in Bulletins 136 and 137 of the agricultural college (E. S. R., 

 16, pp. 477, 480) . 



A review is given of the experimental work that has been carried on in the bacte- 

 riological department from 1895 to 1903, with a list of publications. 



Annual report of botanist, C. A. Barber {Rpt. Dept. Agr. Madras, 1903-4, PP- 

 10-13). — A detailed report is made of the various lines of work carried on by the 

 botanist during the year 1903-4. 



Among the more important investigations from an economic standpoint are notes 

 on a red spot disease of sorghum leaves, which has been identified as due to the fun- 

 gus Colletotrichwrn lineola. 



Various diseases of other economic plants are briefly noted, particular attention 

 being given to diseases of the black pepper, the most of which are of fungus nature. 

 One disease in particular is proving very destructive, and it has been attributed to 

 attacks of Nectria sp. as well as the root fungus RnseUinia necatrix. A careful inves- 

 tigation has led the author to the conclusion that the Nectria is saprophytic and not 

 the cause of the disease, and in no case was he able to determine the presence of the 

 Rosellinia in badly infected specimens in the plantation. 



Notes are given of a number of economic plants which are under investigation, and 

 a brief account is presented of the extension of the herbarium work. 



Sclerotium diseases of plants {Bd. Agr. and Fisheries [London], Leaflet 127, pp. '3, 

 jigs. 4). — A description is given of diseases of potatoes, turnips, carrots, peas, beans, 

 and cucumbers, as well as of a number of decorative plants propagated by bulbs. 



These diseases are caused by attacks of species of Sclerotinia, which in addition 

 to growing as parasites on living plants, can grow on decaying vegetable matter. 

 The effect of the fungus on the different plants is briefly described, and as a prevent- 

 ive treatment it is suggested that all infested stems, leaves, and bulbs should be col- 



