46 PROTECTION OF PLANTS — ^1922-23 



of time required. It is important therefore to popularize natural methods 

 of combatting parasitic fungi. As a result of many inspections, demonstra- 

 tions, and complaints from one end of Quebec to the other, I have decided 

 to urge the use of isolated seed plots. 



In selecting seed, improving present varieties and creating and conserving 

 new types, investigators confine their attention especially to individual 

 plants. The idea now suggested is to use this method in a modified form by 

 growing seed at home in carefully tended plots. This should not give one 

 the impression of an experimental farm with its chequer board of experimental 

 plots. It merely means that each farmer should set aside a small plot of land, 

 or two or three small plots, isolated from the crop fields. In these plots he 

 will try to grow clean seed or tubers for his own farm. Such efforts are 

 especially desirable in the case of loose smut of wheat and in potato diseases. 



Concerning loose smut of wheat, we say to farmers "Treat your grain by 

 the hot water method", but it is much more difficult to do than to recommend. 

 Many intelligent men have been disappointed at the results obtained. 

 If a farmer does not succeed the first time he usually renounces the project — 

 a result which is deplorable. The disinfection of large quantities of wheat 

 against loose smut is impossible because the farmer is not equipped as a chemist 

 and physicist. I realize that my remarks will probably engender the criticism 

 that I am retrogressive, but put yourself in the place of the farmer and you 

 will see better my point of view. 



We tell them to buy good seed. At present it is almost impossible to 

 obtain wheat free from smut and potatoes free from Mosaic or Leaf curl. 

 The guarantee certificates are only valuable if the producer is honest. The 

 fact that farmers in some localities are obliged to purchase seed in large quan- 

 tities, facilitates the inclusion by the dishonest seller of second and even 

 third rate seed tubers. 



If we think of the continued spraying with all the necessary equipment, 

 and of the initial disinfection, it is not surprising that many growers are 

 irritated and do not carry out these precautions. Often the sprayings come 

 at times when work is multiplied, during haying, hoeing, harvesting or when 

 it is necessary to use men and horses on municipal work to reduce taxes some- 

 what. Those who have only a small acreage can manage, but it is the larger 

 producers who often cease to practise control measures. I am not excusing 

 him, but I am explaining the reasons which in many cases account for his 

 action. Nevertheless what is not practicable on a large scale can be done in 

 a small way in the isolated seed plot. To spot plants with wheat smut or 

 potato mosaic is not easy on a very large field, but it can be done fairly easily 

 in a plot of a few hundred square feet in area. 



