343 



The Prevalence and Prevention op Stinking Smut in Indiana. 



By O. R. Orton. 



In bringing before tlie Academy tlie subject of "Stiuliiug Smut" the 

 writer wislies to impress upon its members the fact that this disease is 

 of considerable economic importance, and that so far little, if any, sys- 

 tematic effort has been made to eradicate it. It is hoped that the im- 

 portance of this disease will soon be brought before the wheat growers 

 and agriculturists of Indiana, and since the disease is one which has been 

 proved, both experimentally and practically, to be easily and cheaply 

 prevented, that active measures will be taken to check its further spread 

 iu the State. 



There is little doubt that stinking smut has been present in Indiana 

 since the introduction of wheat growing in the State, and that In some 

 years comparatively small loss has been occasioned, but it is not a mat- 

 ter of doubt that in some years a very severe loss is reported which 

 amounts to startling figures when represented in monetary values. 



There have been several bulletins^ issued from the Purdue Experi- 

 ment Station in years past concerning this disease, but none which have 

 given any definite information regarding its prevalence throughout the 

 State. 



In the fall and winter of 1910-11, Dr. Frank D. Kern, Associate 

 Botanist at the Purdue Experiment Station, sent out from that Depart- 

 ment about 1,2(M> interrogatory letters, oi'e of which is here reproduced, 

 to the leading elevators and grain dealers throughout the State, each 

 county being represented. 



"Name 



Postofflce 



County 



Did stinking smut of wheat occur in your vicinity the past season? 



'Arthur, J. C. S nut of Wheat and Oats. Bull. Agr. Exp. Sta. of Ind. 28:1889. 

 Arthur, J. C. Treatmsnt of Smut in Wheats Bull. Agr. Exp. Sta. of Ind. 32, 2:1890. 

 Arthur, J. C. and Johnson, A. G. The Loose Smut of Oats and Stinking Smut of Wheat and 

 their Prevention. Circular Agv. Exp. Sta. of Ind. 22. 1910. 



