1904] SMITH—PUCCINIA ASPARAGI ras 
The asparagus rust is caused by one of the Uredineae of the sub- 
division Auteupuccinia of Schroeter’s classification; that is, the 
spermogonia, aecidia, uredospores, and teleutospores all develop 
upon the same plant. This is shown in fig. 
spore forms may be readily recognized. Upon 
the stalks represented at the extreme right and 
left all four forms are present at once. This 
disease has long been known in Europe, but 
attained no prominence in this country until 
the fall of 1896, since which time it has spread 
entirely across the continent from Massachu- 
setts to California, with extremely disastrous 
results to the asparagus industry. 
The development of this rust is practically 
the same as that of others of the same class, 
the spermogonia and aecidia appearing in 
spring, followed by the uredo stage in summer, 
after which the teleuto or black rust appears. 
The development of the aecidial stage has 
varied, according to the writer’s observation, 
with the nature of the spring climate in various 
sections of the country. In Massachusetts, 
Where the spring is comparatively late and 
short, the aecidium of Puccinia Asparagi is 
not unknown, but is by no means common, 
and the development of this stage of the rust 
18 decidedly limited. Going south to Long 
Island and New Jersey, the spring form is 
common, but by no means noticeable; while in 
California the “ spring rust” is almost as well 
known to asparagus-growers as_ the later 
stages, and upon old beds, volunteer growth, 
or beds too young for cutting, it reaches a 
development quite unknown in the east, some- 
times covering the main stalk and branches 
of the plant completely and causing consider- 
able damage. Fig. 2 illustrates a case of 
1, where the various 
Fic. 2.—Aecidial de- 
velopment of the rust as 
seen in California. Bouldin 
Island, April 29. 1993- 
