2g6 



Journal of Agriculture. 



[lo May, 1910. 



The following table shows the results of the different modes of infection 

 and treatment : — 



Only one plant was smutted and this was in Plot 2, where the .seed 

 was infected. The indi\-idual plant was 3 ft. 8 in. high and while the 

 male flower or tassel at the top was clean, there were four cobs smutted. 

 The smutted cobs were all on one side of the plant. Two of the largest 

 were close together and uppermost only separated bv a short node, below 

 that was clean, then the next was onlv partially smutted (Fig. 4) and the 

 lowest was very small but entirely smutted. Thus one plant out of 

 thirteen was smutted, or nearly 8 per cent, and this is a larger proportion 

 than has hitherto been met with in the worst infected paddocks. Tn the 

 Gippsland district T found that about i per cent, of the plants was 

 affected this season. The mode of infection then is through the }oung 

 .seedling by means of spores adhering to the grain and the experiments 

 both as to infection and treatment will be carried out on a laxger scale 

 in maize-growing districts during the coming season. But there is 

 sufificient evidence at present to justify us in recommending the treatment of 

 the seed, along with other measures. 



Ex-planation of Plate Of-posite. 

 SPORES AND THEIR GERMINATION. 



5. Spore-balls from a very young smutted cob of maize X 250. 



6. Spores of various shapes and sizes X "ioo. 

 7. and 8. Germinating spores with formation of conidia X Soo- 

 9. Spore germination in nutritive solution (after Brefeld) X 350. 



The successive development of the germination is shown, the conidia finally becom- 

 ing detached and sprouting in a yeastdike manner so as to form small colonies. 

 10. Germination of spores after being three days in water (after Norton) X 6oo. 

 II. Spore germination in nutritive solution (after Brefeld) X 350. 



The spore on the right has jirociuced three germinal tubes, bearing numerous 

 conidia, some of which have formed germ-tubes while still attached. 



