1913] CURRENT LITERATURE 87 
There seems to be no reason to doubt that this Palestinian plant is a 
genuine wild wheat, but it is by no means certain that it is the prototype of 
our domesticated races. In fact, it is suggested that it be named as a distinct 
species (Triticum hermonis, from Mount Hermon). Of course, whether it is 
the prototype of our domesticated races or not is not a question that affects 
its practical value. 
. hermonis is a hardy plant in the sense of being able to live under a wide 
range of natural conditions, and it suggests the possibility of obtaining from 
it races of wheat adapted to the arid regions of the southwestern states. There 
is also a possibility of breeding its rust-resistance into our domesticated races. 
It is even suggested that this wild wheat may be used as a self-sown forage 
plant on the grazing lands of the Southwest; but the caution is urged that it 
might become a troublesome weed!—J. M. C. 
Biologic species of Rhytisma.—The widespread occurrence of Rhytisma 
acerinum on many species of maple has led MULLER” to investigate the host 
relationships of this form whose distribution seems to indicate that it includes 
several biologic species. The field observations which led to this view were 
ully confirmed by cultural experiments which showed that the forms usually 
included in Rhytisma acerinum can be separated into at least two biologic 
Species. The name R. acerinum is retained for one of these, the other is 
described as R. pseudoplatani. 
nder R. acerinum two minor forms are distinguished according to the 
ease with which they infect different species of maple. R. acerinum f. plata- 
noides occurs principally on Acer platanoides and infects less easily A. pseu- 
doplatanus and A. campestris. R. acerinum f. campestris occurs principally 
ee 
» Mixer, K., Zur Biologie der Schwarzfleckenkrankheit der Ahornbiume, 
hervorgerufen durch den Pilz Rhytisma acerinum. Centralbl. Bakt. II. 36:67-08. 
Figs. 4. pls. 4. 1912. Preliminary account, Ber. Deutsch. Bot. Gesells. 30:385. 1912. 
