64 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



y 



White Pine Blister Rust. 



This disease has been introduced into this country on nursery 

 stock of either the white pine or other five-leaved pines, or on the 

 currants and gooseberries, the plants belonging to the genus Ribes. 

 Unlike the chestnut bark disease it does not spread from pine to 

 pine, but must alternate from pine to Ribes to complete its life 

 cycle. 



The disease is common in Europe and was found in New York 

 State on imported stock several years ago. At that time, upon the 

 invitation of Mr. J. S. Whipple, then Forest, Fish, and Game 

 Commissioner of New York, a conference of officials from various 

 states and the government met at Albany and later in New York 

 City, where the whole matter was fully discussed. The result of 

 these meetings was to cease importing foreign white pine stock, 

 rigidly inspect all future imports, grow our own stock in this coun- 

 try, and practice a close inspection of all foreign stock already 

 planted here with a view to destroying it should the disease appear. 



Recognizing the importance of making an inspection of the 

 foreign stock already planted in Massachusetts, the State Forester 

 had an official representative of the Bureau of Plant Industry of 

 the United States Department of Agriculture visit our plantations 

 and advise us regarding them in 1911. 



Last year the disease was found on two of our large private 

 estates, one in the eastern or North Shore section, and the other 

 in the western or popular Berkshire country. Upon finding these 

 outbreaks interest was aroused in determining more fully the 

 conditions generally. It was found that the currants proved a good 

 index for determining the presence of the disease, and an inspection 

 over a considerable portion of the state showed it to be generally 

 infested. Believing it of sufficient importance to make even further 

 investigation desirable in order to determine more fully to just what 

 extent the disease may be found and to eradicate its evils, the state 

 appropriated ten thousand dollars for use the past season. The 

 United States Congress also appropriated fifty thousand dollars 

 for similar use throughout the nation. 



Scouting investigations have continued throughout the year 



