DISK ^SES OF PLANTS. L081 



copper sulphate, and it is applied as a dust on the theory thai as soon as this dust 

 becomes moist, from dew or otherwise, the regular Bordeaux mixture in concentrated 

 form will be produced on the foliage. A number of plats received treatment with 

 this fungicide at the rate of 3, 6, and 10 lbs. per a. -re. There was no blight on either 

 the treated or untreated plats, so the results are considered inconclusive, and it is 

 planned to repeal t he experiment in L906. 



In connection with these experiments Paris green was i\><->\ to prevenl the ravages 

 of bugs, and w here it was applied in connection with the dry powder it was nol as 

 efficienl as where the insecticide was administered in the form of a spray. 



Further experience in asparag-us rust control, R. E. Smith [California Sta. 

 /in/. /;.', pp. .'/, figs. 7).— In continuation of experiments previously reported 

 (E. s. R., in. p. 66; 17. p. 18), the author gives an account <>i' experiments carried 

 on in California and elsewhere to eMntr.pl the asparagus rust, the principal informa- 

 tion in the present publication being based <>!, the result- of practical work of various 

 -rowei-. especially observations made in connection with a ranch at Milpitas, Cal. 



At this ranch the asparagus cutting was stopped about the first <<i .Inly, and the 

 rust was less abundant than usual on the uncut top-, hut developed very vigorously 

 alter the beds grew up. An especial effort was made t<» keep down the wild growth 

 about the edges of the field, which had in previous years caused a large amount of 



infection. After theend of the cutting season and the usual plowing and cultivation, 

 the field was irrigated in order to start as vigorous a growth as possible. About 

 August I heavy dews occurred, and the first application of sulphur was mad.-. A 

 special form of apparatus was employed, and sublimed sulphur at the rate of about 



100 lbs. per acre was applied. Three weeks later a second application was made, 

 and a third was given after a second interval of about •"> weeks. 



The results of the treatment were quite apparent from the condition of the treated 

 held. All untreated fields in the neighborhood were badly rusted in September 

 and the tops were black and dead in October, while the field receiving the sulphur 

 made a fine growth and the plants remained green until the normal end of the 

 Beason. The cost of the treatment was at the rate of si; per acre for the season's 

 work on 75 acres, and from the experience obtained it was thought possible to reduce 

 this cost to about S4 per acre for future treatments. 



Other growers in the same locality applied sulphur to asparagus, and the results 

 obtained were in proportion to the .efficiency of the application. Near Sacramento 

 attempts were made to control the rust with liquid sprays, and where Bordeaux 

 mixture alone was used the effect on the rust was very slight. When sulphur was 

 used in connection with the sprays, much better results were obtained, and based 

 upon the trials of a number of growers, the following treatment has been adopted 

 for future use: Three weeks after cutting, the plants are to be sprayed with whale- 

 oil soap and water, followed by a dusting of sulphur at the rate of about 150 ll»s. per 

 acre. One month later sulphur is dusted over the plants at the rate of about 200 

 lbs. per acre, the applications to be made on dewy mornings. 



The author- cites illustrations of the use of sulphur for the control of the asparagus 

 rust in other localities in California and also in South Carolina, where the treatment 

 proved eminently successful. 



[n applying the sulphur the chief requisite is to scatter it so that it will coverall 

 the growth in a dusty, smoky cloud. Experiments with ground and sublimed 



sulphur and flowers of sulphur showed that when all things are considered the 



flowers of sulphur is the most satisfactory ami economical. 



In conclusion the author states that in treating asparagus it is necessary to get a 

 good coating of sulphur on the tops just before tin* rust is due to appear. A second 

 application should he made 1 month later, and a third after another interval of 

 about 4 weeks. Where young beds of asparagus are to be protected from rust, the 

 author recommends a special form of treatment, which consists of spraying the 



