Aspidistra Diseases 205 



disease from getting a foothold in the greenhouse, 

 it is necessary to secure cuttings from healthy plants. 

 Infected soils should be steam sterilized or treated 

 with formaldehyde (see pp. 32-43). Spraying in 

 this case will be useless since the causal organism 

 works in the interior of the roots and stems. 

 Root Knot (fig. 40, b), see Nematode, p. 28. 



Aspidistra {Aspidistra Lurida) 



Cultural Considerations. This plant is very easy 

 to grow. It is valued mostly as a foliage plant. It 

 grows well in dark halls and in dwelling houses. 

 The plant reqiiires an abundance of water. It is 

 propagated by division of rhizomes in late winter. 



Diseases of Aspidistra 



The Aspidistra is a very hardy plant. It is sub- 

 ject to the attacks of but few diseases. 



Anthracnose 



Caused by Colletotrichum omnivorum Hals. 



This disease causes irregular ragged dry spots on 

 the leaves. The spores are sickle shaped, hyaline, 

 one celled. The setse are black, elongate, and 

 pointed. The disease may be kept in check by 

 spraying with a standard fungicide. All infected 

 material should be destroyed by fire. 



