10 July, 191 i. 



T';;?^ Diseases in France. 



f6l 



the name by which the fungus is now known to science. Its com- 

 plicated life history and the numerous forms under which it can exist, 

 for it is one of the most polymorphic fungi known, cannot here be gone into 

 in detail. Its external manifestations are almost too well known to need 

 description, at least they were so a few years back ; owing to the dryness 

 of recent seasons it seems to have almost disappeared from many districts 

 •of Victoria. The abundant rainfall of last summer has caused its reap- 

 pearance in many localities, and it is probable that, in the near future, 

 more attention will have to be devoted to this fungus than has been neces- 

 sary for some time past. The illustration here reproduced will enable it to 

 be recognised with certainty ; the lesions produced on the vine canes are 

 -not, like those of other vine fungi, merely superficial, but penetrate deeply, 

 ■ often right through the bark, and into the wood. These deep scars are 

 produced during the growing period whilst the tissues are young and tender. 



BLACK. SPOT, OR ANTiiRACNOSis {Mangiiiia anipelina). 



Like Mildew and Black Rot, the mycelium is internal and beyond the 

 reach of fungicide sprays. Preventive treatment can, therefore, alone give 

 -satisfactory results. Unlike Mildew, however, in the case of which the 

 destruction of the winter spores has given entirely negative results. Black 

 Spot can be most effectually combated by treatment directed towards the 

 destruction of the sclerotia, or most frequent winter form of the fungus.* 

 The.se small bodies are situated on the characteristic scars on the canes. 



Acid sulphate of iron .solution has proved a very suitable agent for their 

 -destruction. It causes them to crack, shrivel, and gradually lose their 

 vitality. Some authorities contend that this action is due solely to the sul- 

 phuric acid contained in the mixture, and recommend a simple 10 per cent, 

 solution of sulphuric acid. Whether this view l>e correct or not, the acid 

 suljjhale of iron .solution is still the standard treatment in France. Being 

 much less acid, it is far more convetiient and safer to handle, and there 

 seems to be no reason to prefer the plain sul])hurir acid, which, though 

 •efficacious, is not more so than acid inm sutnhatf. 'J'hc standard fornnila 

 is as follows : — 



Siili)h.ite of Iron (roininerci.il) ... ... •?; to 40 lbs. 



Sulphuric aci<l ... ■■■ ... ... 10 fluiil ounces. 



Hot water ... ... ... ... 10 gallons. 



• \ sclerdtiuni is n tuliiT-lik*- rt'.si-|-\oir of ruHctve nmli-rial wliii'h r'-niiuns 

 illtiiiiatelv i>ro<liiriiiif sliniits wh'.cli liear ^|lOl•(■«. 



(I inniiiil (or :i time. 



