CRANBERRY DISEASES 199 



mant, are affected, in response to the attacks of the pathogene. 

 They produce short shoots with leaves abnormally swollen 

 and distorted. These leaves are pink or light rose-colored. 

 The affected leaves stand close together and bear a slight resem- 

 blance to a flower, whence the name false-blossoms. This 

 name should be avoided, for there is another disease which 

 passes under this designation. In the genuine false-blossom the 

 floral parts are affected ; instead of the typical drooping of the 

 flowers, the flower-buds stand erect, remain greenish, and do not 

 set. This is accompanied by a profuse branching of the vines. 

 Until recently the real false-blossom was known as " Wisconsin 

 false-blossom," but in 1914 it was found in Massachusetts. 



Most plants are affected before the blossoms have developed, 

 and thus the production of fruit is prevented. Later in the 

 stage of development the fruiting portions of the causal fungus 

 give to the surface of the distorted parts a fine, grayish, pow- 

 dered appearance. 



Cause. 



The symptoms just described are changes brought about 

 by the fungus Exobasidium Oxycocci. Its mycelium grows 

 within the leaf and stem-tissues, stimulating them to over- 

 growth. Fruiting stalks, known as basidia, emerge and stand 

 erect on the surface of the affected portion. These are found 

 from May to September, but are most abundant in the earlier 

 part of the growing season. On each basidium four spores are 

 borne. TKese bring about infections. Further points regard- 

 ing the life-cycle of the fungus are not well known. 



Control. 



Since .the activities and whereabouts of the pathogene are 

 not clearly understood, it is almost impossible to suggest 

 dependable control measures. No definite remedy is on 

 record. 



REFERENCE 



Shear, C. L. Cranberry diseases. Hypertrophy. U. S. Agr. Dept. 

 Plant Indus. Bur. Bui. 110 : 35-37. 1907. 



