FUNGI IMPERFECTI— SCOLECOTRICHUM 283 



Fig. 101a. Spot Disease of Orchard 

 Grass {Scolectotrichum graminis). Cross- 

 section of leaf, general fruiting layer of 

 fungus with conidiophores and conidia. 

 A, spores germinating. After Trelease. 



General appearance of fungus oa 

 leaf of Orchard grass. After Trelease. 



Polydesmus Mont. Rape Fungus 



Sterile hyphae repent; fertile erect, simple or branched septate colorless 

 conidia, interstitial filiform, concatenate, fusiform or clavate; many septate and 

 opaque. 



Polydesmus exitiosus Kiihn. Rape Fungus 



Forming minute, punctate, elongated dark brown spots, conidia elongated or 

 somewhat clavate, narrowed upwardly, 18-12 septate; the septa but slightly con- 

 stricted, olive-brown in color. The conidia are 120-140 by 14-16 /*; conidiophores 

 short, straight or slightly irregular, septate, making their way through the 

 stomata. 



This fungus is widely distributed on rape and cabbage and has been referred 

 to as Alternaria brassicae. It is, however, thought to be a distinct fungus. 



Poisonous properties. In Europe this fungus has long been associated with 

 mycotic-stomatitis of cattle, but mycotic-stomatitis may be produced as indi- 

 cated elsewhere, by other molds and fungi. This disease is characterized by in- 

 flammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Saliva- 

 tion is a prominent symptom; the feet become swollen and sore. Dr. Mohler 

 says: 



"Superficial erosions of the skin, particularly of the muzzle, and of the teats and udders 

 of cows, may also be present, with some elevation of temperature and emanciation." 



The disease is not serious and in many cases recovery occurs. But where 

 treatment is not resorted to the disease may prove fatal, death occurring in from 

 6-8 days. Dr. Mohler states that in serious outbreaks it is about 0.5%. 



