Carnation Diseases 221 



Splitting of Blossoms 



Cause, underfeeding. 



Carnation growers often lose heavily from the 

 splitting of blossoms just before they fully open. 

 The investigations of Darner* and others seem to 

 show that the splitting is brought about by under- 

 feeding. The moderate application of commercial 

 fertilizers will not cause an increase in splitting and 

 may cause a decrease. 



The splitting of the blossoms may also be noticed 

 on the row of carnations near the glass of the side 

 benches. The cause, it is assumed in this case, is 

 due to the more rapid drying of the soil of the 

 benches nearest the glass. Growers often prevent 

 this trouble by so placing the benches as to allow 

 a walk between them, and the side walls. 



Yellows 



Cause unknown. 



Symptoms. True yellows as described by Lam- 

 key t appears as a yellowing (mottled chlorosis) on 

 the leaves. The mottling is brought about by the 

 presence of indefinite irregular blotches or flecks 

 which meet and form yellow streaks. The mottling 

 is more common on the younger leaves, and the 

 streaks on the older ones. The yellow areas may 

 becrane red or pink. The spots are never water- 



•Darner, H. B., et al., Illinois Agr. Sta. Bui. 176: 378-379i I9»4- 

 t Lamkey, M. R., The American Flor. 58 : 508-510, 1917. 



