1T8 



affected by a rust (Mc1ai)ii>f<oru ine(]iif<a\). The clover rust (CaeoniKnis 

 trifoliij was fouiul sparingly on alsike clover aucl abundantly on red 

 clover, causing some damage to the crop in places. The asparagus rust 

 (Dic(iro)iia (isixmKjiJ, so far as it was observed, occurs only upon wild 

 plants, and as this vegetable is not cultivated extensively in the infested 

 region it has little economic importance save as a menace to the occa- 

 sional asparagus beds in the vicinity. The corn rust (Divaeoiiia aornhi) 

 was very abundant this season, liut is not credited with any serious dam- 

 age. 



The hve remaining species are to be regarded as injurious or not ac- 

 cording to the host which they infest. The Tnt)st important of these is 

 the bean rust ((Utroiniini^ iiIkiscoIi i. which was collected on corn beans 

 and seen a1)undantly on dwarf lieans, whlcli it damaged to a considerable 

 extent. This rust also occurs abundantly on a wild l)ean ( Sfniphosti/Ics 

 helvohi) which is a. serious pest in low river l)ottoms. The various wild 

 sunflowers as well as the common species ( Hclinntluis (uiiiitiis) are often 

 seriously affected )»y a rust f DicdcoiiKi hcHfiiitlii ). By the middle of Au- 

 gust the plants of the common suntlower in some sections of Indianapolis 

 were almost defoliated, and such leaves as did remain were rendered 

 unsightly by this rust. Had only lliat multitude of sunflowers which 

 abound in the river bottoms and about the dumps of the city been in- 

 fected, this rust would deserve a place among the beneficial species. All 

 the wild species of aster are used for ornament, especially in country gar- 

 dens, hence the three aster rusts (Colrospofiinii soliddf/inis. Dicacoiiia 

 nsteris and D. caracisasterisj assume the role of injurious s^xM-ies. This 

 is especially true of the last species, which often sadly disfigures its host. 



A number of species occur upon weeds of greater or less importance 

 and so are to be considered beneficial, inasmuch as they assist in keeping 

 these pests in check. Of these the rust of the wild morning-glory 

 (Dicueoniu coiirulnilij and of the bind weed {Dicaeonia itnli/tjoni-coii- 

 volviillj are proljably the most important, as their hosts are among the 

 worst of the rust-bearing weeds of the region. The rust of the cocklebur 

 and horse Aveed (Dicaeoma xanthii) also deserves mention. The iron weed 

 rust (Coleosporiimi vernoHiw) is common and often entirely covers the 

 lower surface of the leaves of its host to the serious injury of the latter. 



At the time this collection was made conditions favored the detailed 

 study of the rust flora of a limited area, to wit. section 5, range 4 east. 



