POTATO DISEASES. 



207 



doing this, spread the tubers out to dry, then plant. Soils 

 that are periodically limed are reputed to be less likely 

 to promote the development of the disease. Sprinkling 

 flowers of sulphur along the trenches before planting is 

 also said to be a good preventive remedy. 



Sclerotiuin Disease (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum). — 

 This is a fungoid disease which attacks the stems of 

 potatoes just above the ground. It is in the form of a 

 white mould, which gradually creeps up the stems and 



[Photo: H. 

 POTATO SCAB DISEASE. 



A. smith. 



This disease (Sorosporium scabieo) causes olive-coloured ecabe to form oi 

 the tubers. 



develops into small black bodies called sclerotia. When 

 the latter stage is reached the stem becomes limp, withers, 

 and dies, seriously checking the growth of the tubers. In 

 dry weather the white mould is not apparent on the outer 

 surface, the disease being more active within. 



Kemedy. — All foliage showing any indication of the 

 disease should be burnt, otherwise the disease will attack 

 a future crop. It appeal's that beans, peas, marrows, 

 cucumbers, and turnips are liable to be attacked also. 



