3UU Jouli^-AL oi' TiiK iJEi'AirrMEKt or AoiacHLTURE. — Oct., 1922. 



BOTANY. 



A New Appointment. — Since the icsiyiiation of l)i-. N'aii der Hi.jl 

 there has been no inycohjoist .stationed in Uui'l)an, and the 

 patholog-ical work at the Natal irerharixini has been at a standstill. 

 This post has now been filled by the appointment of Mr. H. H. Storey, 

 B.A. Farmers and fruit groAvers in Natal will be <>lad to learn that 

 special attention can now be given to the study of plant diseases 

 under local conditions, and are invited to address any inquiries which 

 they wish to make on the subject of diseased plants to the Mycologist 

 in Charge, Natal Herliariuni, Duiban. 



Apple-branch Blister. — A number of apple and pear twigs 

 recently serit for examination have proved to be infected Avith the 

 fungus Coniothecium cliomotosporur,i, which causes the apple-crack- 

 ing disease. This fungus produces on the twigs and branches a 

 number of dark specks, usually in groups and fiequently reddisli 

 brown, irregularly raised, blisters result. This appearance has led to 

 the above name being applied to the disease. Usually the branches are 

 not seriously affected, but unless preventive measures are applied, 

 the fruit on the affected trees will be attacked, and a large number 

 of cracked and russeted apples produced. All twigs noticeably affected 

 should be cut hack and destroyed, and the trees drenched in winter 

 Avith a copper-sulphate solution (1 lb. of bluestone to 25 gallons of 

 water). This is a winter wash and cannot be used after the buds 

 begin to burst. Spraying with bordeaux mixture (4-4-50 formula) 

 should be commenced before the flower-l)uds open, and should be 

 repeated soon after the blossoms fall, and again when the fruit is 

 well set. 



Some Medicinal Plants. — An inquiry has recently been received 

 from a firm in Ca])etown regarding the production of aniseed, bella- 

 donna, and pyrethrum in the Union. IMiis firm is in touch with 

 prospective large buyers in Europe, and is anxious to supply their 

 demands from South Africa. As far as we know, none of these drug- 

 plants is cultivated to any extent in this country. The seed of bella- 

 donna is difficult to obtain and very expensive. We have tried a 

 small quantity of the seed here, but so far Avithout very satisfactory 

 results. ]ielladonna recjuires a rich garden loam, inoderately tight 

 and sandy, and Avell fertilized ; it is a perennial. Aniseed is the 

 product of an annual plant known botajiically as PimpiupJhi aui'si/in. 

 It belongs to the same family as fennel, dill, etc. AVe have not 

 carried out any experinients Avith it, but there seems no leason AAhy 

 it should not do well in this country. It also requires good loamy soil 

 and considerable heat to mature the crop. The same remarks apply 

 to the third drug, Pyrethruvi ci?ierafifoliuin , an annual with daisy- 

 like fiowers having strong odour. This plant is an insecticide, and 

 is the source of a Avell-known brand of insect poAvder. This ])owder 

 consists solely of the dried and poAvdered floAver-heads gathered for 

 the purpose before they are fully open. Soutli African conditions 

 would appear to be ideal for this crop. 



Should any one be suificiently interested to Avish to experiment 

 with any of these medicinal plants further information on the subject 

 could no doubt be obtained. 



