452 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Stem Bot!< (Fusariuni, Rhizoctonia) . 



There are at least two distinct types of stem rot caused by 

 the above-mentioned fungi. These rots constitute perhaps the 

 worst features which carnation sfrowers have to contend Avith 

 at the present time. The rot caused by the sterile JRhizoc- 

 tonia can be controlled b v sterilizinij the soil ; and that caused 

 \)j Fusarium, in all probability, cannot be controlled by this 

 method. Neither can we expect to control by sterilization 

 an}^ fungus which is freely propagated by spores. There are 

 probal)ly cultural methods that can be applied in the green- 

 house which will alleviate the troubles caused by Fusarium, 

 and experiments are now being conducted by us with that end 

 in view. Undoubtedly, starting the plants in uninfested soil 

 and cultivating on new land where Fumrium is likelv to be 

 less common will aid to overcome the rot to a lariJfe extent. 



Among other diseases of the carnation which are more or 

 less common is the Stvjmonose, or Bacferioftis, as it has been 

 called, which is believed to be due to insect stings, causing 

 a small purplish spot on the leaves. There are also the 

 Anthracnose, fairv ring, leaf spot, etc., which are more or 

 less prevalent. 



Violets. 



Leaf Sjwt {AJteniaria Violce, Dorsett). 



More than one fungus was formerlv believed to be the 

 cause of the violet leaf spot (see Fig. 11). More recent in- 

 vestigations, how- 

 ever, wovild seem 

 to indicate that 

 most of these spots 

 are caused by the 

 above-named fun- 

 gus. The applica- 

 tion of fungicides 

 has })r()ven of little 

 or no value as pre- 

 A'cntives, and the 

 best authorities reconnnend strict adherence to the most 

 careful cultural conditions, together with the selection of the 

 strongest and healthiest plants for crop purposes. 



Fig. U. —Violet leaf spot. 



