130 massachusetts horticultural society. 



Cantaloupe or Muskmelon. 



The work, previously mentioned, of Mr. P. K. Bl}Tin, special 

 agent of the Colorado Station, in developing the Pollock strain of 

 the cantaloupe resistant to leaf spot disease due to Macrosporium, 

 is especially notable as it is, perhaps, the most successful attempt 

 yet made in this country to develop a variety resistant to a leaf 

 parasite. The strain is a result of careful selection of seed from 

 resistant vines. 



Asparagus. 



It is well known that the Palmetto variety of asparagus is espe- 

 cially resistant to rust. It is, however, not a desirable variety for 

 canning. In California R. E. Smith of the State Experiment 

 Station, is engaged in developing a variety which will combine 

 rust resistance with the qualities desired by canners found in the 

 Conover's Colossal. 



Violet. 



Violets grown in greenhouses are especially subject to a leaf 

 spot disease known as Alternaria violae. It is known among 

 violet growers that the Lady Hume Campbell variety is the most 

 naturally resistant variety in cultivation. This natural resistance 

 has been greatly increased by carefully selecting the most resistant 

 plants from which to propagate. 



Fruits. 



Little work has been attempted to develop disease resistant 

 varieties among the fruits. As I have previously stated, the de- 

 velopment of disease resistance is a comparatively new undertaking 

 for plant breeders. That is, it has been a relatively short time since 

 horticulturists and plant breeders have undertaken, with a definite 

 idea in view, to develop varieties resistant to specific diseases. 

 Perhaps this is why little work has been accomplished among the 



