46 FOR BETTER CROPS IN THE SOUTH 



plants as soon after a freeze as the ground is in condition to 

 permit its use. 



Pasturing— If the crop is likely to joint before the occurrence 

 of freezes in the fall, or, too early in the spring, damage by frost 

 can be prevented by pasturing. All fall-sown grain crops can be 

 advantageously pastured if this is practiced with due regard to 

 other conditions. Stock should never be turned on when the 

 ground is wet, and care should be taken at any time that the 

 grazing is not too close. 



Diseases— The diseases to which the oat crop is liable are 

 chiefly the rusts and smuts. The Red Rustproof oat resists 

 rust to a considerable extent and where this variety is grown 



A harvest scene under Southern skies 



there is seldom damage from that disease. On the other hand, 

 the Burt oat ripens so early that often it escapes the effects of 

 the rust at the time of its greatest abundance. However, it 

 may be worth while, in places, to select strains that are still 

 further resistant to this fungus. There is no known preventive 

 or remedy for rust. 



The greatest damage is likely to result from loose smut. 

 This smut, however, can be completely and readily prevented 

 by the hot-water treatment or by the use of formalin. A com- 

 plete discussion of this subject is given in Farmers' Bulletin 

 No. 250, entitled "The Prevention of Stinking Smut of Wheat 

 and Loose Smut of Oats." This pamphlet will be sent free to 

 any resident of the United States on application to the Secre- 

 tary of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 



