BLACKBERRY DISEASES 165 
Within a few hours after the opening of a flower-bud, the 
ovaries become more or less whitish, due to the presence of 
mycelium and spores which develop abundantly thereon. Spores 
may be produced within forty-eight hours after a flower-bud 
opens. These are carried chiefly by the wind; it is believed 
that the clothing of man, tools of various kinds, and insects are 
also important carriers of the spores. 
The spores perchance alight on young buds that are being 
formed for the following year. In the presence of moisture the 
spores germinate and produce mycelium which lies dormant 
in the buds throughout the winter. In the spring growth is 
again resumed. 
Control. : 
Spraying has not proved to be a satisfactory means of com- 
bating this disease. The spores are produced at flowering and 
during the period of growth of the fruit. Spraying at blossom- 
ing might be objectionable, and any spraying done later in the 
summer must not result in injury to, nor discoloration of, the 
fruit. 
Handpicking deformed buds seems to be satisfactory. ‘The 
operation should begin as soon as the buds begin to open. Asa 
precautionary measure these buds should be destroyed, pref- 
erably by fire. This method is very effective, on account of 
the fact that the fungus does not go beyond the bud. The 
grower cannot hope to completely eradicate the double-blossom 
pathogene, yet the operation is said to be profitable. 
In southern regions all canes are cut at the ground immedi- 
ately after the crop is harvested. This is considered an im- 
‘portant operation in dewberry-culture on account of its value 
in the control of anthracnose and double-blossom. 
REFERENCES 
Cook, M. T.: The double blossom of the dewberry. Delaware Agr. 
Exp. Sta. Bul. 93:1-12. 1911. 
