342 



Kansas State Board of Agriculture. 



susceptible to severe infestations. In this state it attacks most generally 

 the second, third and fourth crops. The bottom leaves are the first to 

 become infected, and gradually the characteristic spots appear upon the 

 uppermost leaves. The leaves turn more or less yellowish and the dark 

 spots become pronounced. Later such diseased foliage drops, and before 

 the cutting stage has arrived the loss of foliage has become very notice- 

 able. (See Fig. 284.) 



FIG. 287. The fungus (alfalfa leaf 

 spot, Phyllostieta sp.) may attack the 

 stem, causing blackened spots. 



Fia. 286. Alfalfa leaf spot (Phyllo- 

 stieta sp.), showing the characteristic 

 symptoms of this disease. Note the 

 pin-point-like dots, the bodies contain- 

 ing the spores of the fungus. 



This fungous disease is widespread, and generally prevalent where- 

 ever alfalfa is grown. The only practical measure to be employed is to 

 mow the crop as soon as the growth of the plant is checked by this leaf 

 spot and before the foliage has begun to drop. Should the disease es- 

 tablish itself on young plants it is advisable merely to clip the tops of 

 the plants, allowing three or four inches of the stems to remain. 



