1244 



Clover Stem-rot. 



[mar., 



subsequently, the black sclerotia develop on the dead roots 

 and stems. If the crown is not injured the plants may make 

 new growth in spring and largely recover. Stem-rot is more 

 or less regularly distributed over the fields, though certain 

 portions may be more seriously affected than others. 



In the case of Eelworm Disease the affected plants first turn 

 pale in colour and the new growth is stunted, the stems being 

 short and swollen and the leaves deformed. Diseased plants 

 may live for some time, but they never recover, the foliage 

 finally turning brown and the plants dying away. The 

 Eelworm Disease commences from definite spots and spreads 

 slowly but steadily outwards from these. 



Control Measures. — In order to starve the fungus out of the 

 land as completely as possible, an interval of at least 8 years, 

 and preferably 12, should be allowed before sowing common 

 red clover or late- flowering red clover (single-cut cow-grass) 

 on infested land. 



During this time the less susceptible crops, sainfoin, trefoil, 

 alsike, or Dutch white clover should be substituted, either 

 alone or with Italian rye-grass. Peas and tares may also 

 safely be taken. 



When red clover is next taken it should be sown in conjunc- 

 tion with Italian rye-grass or with alsike and trefoil. 



It has been observed that red clover, if sown amongst wheat 

 after beans, often becomes badly diseased. This sequence, 

 therefore, should be avoided. 



With regard to manures, further research is needed, but 

 heavy dressings of organic and nitrogenous manures should 

 be avoided, and an adequate supply of lime, potash and 

 phosphates will tend to produce robust growth. On rich land 

 subject to disease, grazing by sheep in September and October 

 is of some value in reducing the thick foliage and so checking 

 the rapid spread of the fungus. 



