Report of the Viticultural Expert. 241 



White ants have in isolated instances proved troublesome by 

 tunnelling the stocks. These invasions are usually due to decaying 

 stumps and roots being left in the ground, and the insects leave these 

 to attack the vine. 



The Rutherglen bug has not been so bad on vines this year as it 

 is sometimes. Early in the season cut worms caused a little trouble 

 among cuttings and grafts. 



Fungus diseases have not been very serious for several seasons 

 owing to the adverse climatic conditions prevailing. After seasons 

 such as we have been having recently, it would be a splendid 

 opportunity for growers to get rid of spores by swabbing the vine 

 trunks with some approved fungicide. 



In Geelong, a few cases of oidium were noticed in private gardens 

 on trellised vines, and as is usually the case with amateurs, the disease 

 was not noticed till practically beyond remedial treatment for the 

 present season. 



Anthracnose, popularly known as black spot, or birds' eye rot, 

 has been of rare occurrence, and the attacks of usually a mild character. 



Poui'ridie, the comprehensive term which includes all parasitic 

 root fungi, has also not caused the complaints this year, nor apparently 

 the trouble it has been responsible for in other seasons. The source 

 of this infection is also most frequently the decaying roots of forest 

 trees left in the soil when clearing. Broussin was only noted in 

 solitary instances here and there. 



In conclusion I may state that all the energies of this branch will 

 be devoted in the future, as in the past, to the very important work of 

 promoting the reconstitution of the Victorian vineyards. This is now 

 the only hope of the important viticultural industry. 



