CHAPTER VII 

 CURRANT DISEASES 



THE currant is affected by but few diseases. Among the 

 more common ones are : Mycosphserella leaf-spot, anthracnose 

 and cane-blight. For the past few years currants, especially 

 black kinds, and gooseberries as well, have attracted the special 

 attention of the plant pathologist on account of the European 

 rust disease. This fungous trouble, while of no direct impor- 

 tance on the currant, is very destructive to the white pine ; on 

 the latter host it is known as the white pine blister-rust. To 

 currant-growers particular attention is called to the account of 

 European rust, page 212. 



MYCOSPHSERELLA LEAF-SPOT 



Caused by Mycosphcerella Grossularice (Fr.) Lind. 



Both currants and gooseberries are commonly affected by 

 this leaf-spot. In certain regions, for example New York, the 

 black varieties of currants, such as the Naples, are said to be 

 more resistant than the red and white currants. On the latter 

 kinds the foliage is more liable to drop when affected by this 

 trouble. 



The disease was first given special attention in Massachusetts 

 in 1886 ; five years later it was an object of study in Iowa. It 

 was rather common in New York in 1899 and 1900, but the 

 damage wrought was not serious. The disease ordinarily occurs 

 wherever the currant and gooseberry are grown. In some 



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