lo Sept., 191 i.j Propagation of Fruit Treei. 539 



<lisease is detectt-d. When selecting buds from mature trees for propa- 

 gation purposes, only select growths that carry healthy foliage. In some 

 localities, if no steps are tifKen to prevent its spread, this pest may make 

 its appearance upon the seedling pear stocks early enough to prevent 

 successful budding operations being carried out. 



Potvdery Mildew of Apple {Fodosphaera leucotriciia Saint.). — This 

 fungus di.sease is troublesome at times in moist localities, or where 

 favorable conditions pre\ail. causing damage to the growths of apple 

 -stwks and growing buds in the nursery row. It is recognised by 

 attacking the terminal ends of the growing shoots. The surface of the leaves 

 and twigs appear as if covered with white felt, caused by the great 

 •quantity of spores pre.sent, hence the name of powderv mildew. The result 

 of an attack is that the foliage becomes dried up, and the terminal end 

 of the growths and branchlets die back. If this disea.se is not recognised 

 •early, the trouble may be attributed to root or other causes. Treatment. — 

 If discovered and recognised in its early stage, spray at once with Bordeaux 

 niixture or Lime sulphur wash. If in an advanced stage, cut away diseased 

 jjarts and burn, following up by spraying with either of the already- 

 mentioned fungicides. flowers of sulphur or freshly slaked lime will 

 destroy this pest if dusted on as soon as detected in its early stages of 

 development. 



Root Rot {Arrnillaria niellea, Vahl.). — This deadly fungus is not to be 

 treated lightly. It confines its attack to the roots and that portion of the 

 stem below the surface of the soil, and very soon brings about a state of 

 debility and ultimately death. It is an indigenous fungus preying upon 

 many forms of nati\e trees and shrubs, and is prevalent in cool, 

 moist, timbered localities, particularly mountainous ones. Symptoms 

 of Attack. — The foliage of stocks or young trees attacked in the 

 imrsery row becomes sickly in colour, finally falling if the attack is 

 severe, and the terminal ends of the shoots die back. Upon removal from 

 the soil the bark upon the stem or roots will be found to be dead, dying, 

 or decayed, according to the progress of attack, the black cord-like mycelial 

 strands of the fungus covering the roots like a dense felt or network. If 

 the dead or decaying bark is removed from the roots or stem then 

 white sheets of mycelium are to be found between the inner bark and 

 wjod. Treatment. — When clearing and breaking up virgin soil for plant- 

 ing, all roots, bark, &c., should be carefully gathered up and burnt. If 

 any signs of white mould or felt-like substance is seen upon the bark or 

 roots when clearing, the soil should be given a good dressing of fresh lime 

 Avhen ploughing, if planting is to follow close upon clearing and breaking 

 up. Soil should be broken up before or in the spring, and allowed to 

 remain in a rough state through the hot weather to sweeten and aerate until 

 the autumn, when it should be well disced and finally worked into a suitable 

 state of tilth for planting. The roots of stocks, &c., secured from a 

 locality favorable to root rot should be dipped into a fungicide such as 

 I lb. of sulphate of iron dissolved in 4 gallons of water or Bordeaux mix- 

 ture 6 — 4 — 50 formula. Any stocks or young trees showing symptoms of 

 attack should be carefully dug up and burnt. Then the soil from where 

 they were removed should be stirred up and watered with either of the 

 above-mentioned fungicides, or a good dressing of fresh lime given to 

 prevent its spread to other stocks, &c., close by. As there are several fungi 

 causing root rot, all stocks and trees showing any signs of a whitish mould 

 about the roots should be dipped before planting. Although an attack by 

 this fungus may not have been noticed until the trees have become vege- 

 tative and are well on into the growing season, the actual damage to the 



