•9- 



Jouriial of Agriculture . 



[8 May, 1908. 



RE81:LTS OBIWINED FROM IMPORTED VARIETIES OF 



POTATOES. 



George Seymour, Potato Expert. 



In an article in the Journal for November, 1907, the history of the 

 varieties imported bv the Department of Agriculture was briefly dealt with 

 and tables were given showing the results obtained whilst the potatoes were 

 grown by the Department. Over 3I tons of seed was then distributed 

 in 281b. parcels to the public at a charge sufificient to cover the cost of pack- 

 ing and freight. About 300 parcels were sent out, followed by 250 circu- 

 lars asking for certain information, but only 60 replies have been received. 



Distribution of Seed. 



As some impatience was shown by the jDublic at the delay in the distri- 

 bution of the seed, it should be stated that there were several reasons to 

 warrant the delay. In the first place there was a danger of introducing 

 the potato disease known as Late Blight, and to have at once distributed 

 the varieties broadcast might have resulted in spreading the disease 

 throughout the State. As it was the distribution was fairly wide, as will 

 be seen from page 649 of the article referred to above, but fortunately there 

 were no evil results. My opinion has alwavs been that any seed potatoes 

 imported into Victoria from anv place outside the Commonwealth should 



SPROUTING OR BUDDING OF TUBERS IN THE GROUND CAUSED BY HEAT. 



be grown for two vears under the observation of the Government Entomolo- 

 gist and Government Pathologist as a safeguard against the introduction 

 or spread of anv pest or disease. As long as there, is uncontrolled im- 

 portation of potatoes from Euroj)e and America so long will there be a 

 danger of the introduction of Late Blight — the greatest of all scourges of 

 the potato — which has already been introduced into New Zealand. The 

 Victorian Department of Agriculture has realised the seriousness of the 

 situation and is devising means to guard against this contingency. The 



