80 PROTECTION OF PLANTS, 1916-17 



The announcement of its discovery soon brought in reports showing 

 it to be widespread throughout Canda and the United States, though in the 

 latter country its wide distribution was not immediately recognized. This 

 resulted, at first, in considerable antagonism by the United States towards 

 the Dominion potato imports, which became objects of cumbersome and 

 diflficult regulations; at one time, even, there was a temporary cessation 

 of our export trade with the States. While, at first, by its consequential 

 effects on trade, the presence of this disease caused just consternation, yet 

 it was soon realized and demonstrated that the disease was not of a 

 character to warrant any such stringent action as in the case of the potato 

 canker. For our own part, from the commencement, we regarded the 

 disease as a minor one, but one which, of course, should not be allowed to 

 inflict continued depreciation on the potato industry . Slowly more normal 

 trade conditions supervened. 



At the same time we ought not to omit stating that, in a measure, the* 

 presence of this disease proved a blessing in disguise; the interest of the 

 growers was aroused, and demands were made for a closer study of the 

 diseases of the potato in particular, and of other diseases in general. This 

 eventually led to the further establishment of additional field laboratories 

 for plant pathological research, one for Prince Edward Island, and one for 

 New Brunswick. These laboratories have now been in operation for several 

 seasons, and the work done by the expert officials in charge has already 

 shown immediate and valuable results. 



For instance, systematic experiments directed towards the control of 

 powdery scab hav^e now revealed the efficacy of certain treatments. Black 

 leg disease of potatoes, formerly causing very considerable losses in Canada, 

 has now been controlled so effectively, that the disease is rapidly becoming 

 unimportant. Demonstrations of potato spraying held on numerous farms 

 have shown the beneficial results from such treatment, both in the control 

 of late blight and in the addition of many bushels of sound well-keeping 

 potaotes to the normal yield per acre. Likewise demonstrations are being 

 conducted, both on farms and in orchards, relating to the practical and eco- 

 nomic control of diseases of all kinds. 



Slowly, but surely, progress can be reported from the organizations 

 directed towards disease control. Constant vigilance is exercised, and 

 obscure troubles are being "nipped in the bud," or are receiving careful 

 attention through special researches. 



If one bears in mind the enormous damage caused by various plant 

 diseases, it will be seen that the special attention devoted towards the 

 control of same is an investment of considerable value, and serves as a 



