72 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The horticulturists of Minnesota will do well to keep an eye on 

 a seedling called the Windsor, fruit of which was exhibited by F. 

 O. Harrington, of York Centre, la. The first premium for seedling 

 was given to Underwood No. 4. 



M. J. Wragg, of Waukee, was elected president of the Iowa 

 society for the coming year, and "The Fruitman," of Mount Ver- 

 non, was made the official journal. 



Many other interesting things might be told of the Iowa meet- 

 ing, but it would make this report too long. Your delegate was 

 royally entertained at the Kirkwood, heard some very complimen- 

 tary remarks in regard to the Minnesota Horticultural Society, and 

 all in all had a very pleasant and profitable time. 



ASPARAGUS RUST. 



PROF. S. B. GREEN, STATE EXPERIMENT STATION. 



Recently rust has made its appearance among the asparagus 

 beds of Minnesota. This disease has been known for five or six 

 years in Massachusetts and New York, where it has occasionally 

 done very serious injury. It has been known, however, for a very long 

 time in Hungary and various portions of Europe. The effect of the 

 disease is to cause the tops to turn brown in August or, perhaps, as 

 late as the first of September. In consequence of this, the roots fail 

 to ripen up well, and only a very inferior growth of sprouts is se- 

 cured. The disease seems to be most serious upon beds that are 

 located on dry soil, where they will suffer for water. On rich soil 

 and where they have good cultivation, they are not nearly so liable 

 to injury. The practice of spraying with Bordeaux mixture has 

 failed to give good results ; likewise the cutting and burning of the 

 tops to destroy the infected plants. At present it would seem that 

 the best method of treatment is to grow asparagus on moist soil and 

 to give the very highest cultivation. 



In Europe, where it has been known for a long time, it is seldom 

 injurious. An interesting thing in connection with this disease, 

 which may account for the fact that it is seldom injurious on its 

 home ground, is that this parasite has another parasite which feeds 

 upon its spores and destroys them and in this way keeps the disease 

 in check. It is quite probable that this parasite of the rust may be 

 introduced into this country to work in its beneficial way, as it has 

 in parts of Europe. 



