6 DANGEROUS TOBACCO DISEASE APPEARS IN UNITED STATES. 



the risk of introducing the parasite generally into the highly ferti- 

 lized shade-covered fields. Furthermore, persons who have tramped 

 through infected seed beds should not be allowed to enter sound fields. 



Immediately on the appearance of this disease we recommended the 

 destruction of the first few beds, which were entirely diseased. We also 

 recommended spraying those seed beds not already infected or only 

 infected to a slight degree with a dilute Bordeaux solution (2-2-50 

 formula). In one large seed bed where the disease made its appear- 

 ance in two small spots the plants in those spots were killed by direct 

 application of kerosene — the only agent available at that time — and 

 the remainder of the bed sprayed with dilute Bordeaux daily. 



It is stated by certain Australian authorities that Bordeaux has not 

 proved an effective remedy in their country. In the Florida area 

 the spraying with Bordeaux seems to have had a good effect, not only 

 in the bed previously mentioned but in a number of others. But it 

 still remains to be seen whether it will be generally efficacious in hold- 

 ing the plague in check. It is believed that better results will be 

 obtained with the Bordeaux by applying it late in the afternoon, when 

 there is a certain tendency of the leaves of the tobacco seedling to 

 stand erect, thus permitting a more ready application of the spray 

 to the under side of the leaves, where the infection is most likely to 

 take place. 



Tobacco planters throughout the Southern States and in Wiscon- 

 sin, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut should be on their guard against 

 the introduction of this disease into their fields. It belongs to a group 

 of very destructive parasites, hard to control when once introduced. 



A full account of the parasite and measures for its control, if such 

 can be found, will be published at a later date. 



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