1078 



Coeky Scar in Potatoes. 



[Feb., 



considerably below in the west, the yield in the south-western 

 counties being estimated at only 3.8 tons per acre, whilst in 

 Lancashire only about two-thirds of an average crop was 

 obtained. Owing to the large area, however, the total produc- 

 tion, 3,137,000 tons, is 400,000 tons greater than in 1919, and 

 apart from 1917 and 1918 is the largest recorded since these 

 returns were first collected in 1885. 



Turnips and swedes were sown later than usual and remained 

 backward for the greater part of the summer, but improved 

 considerably during September and October. The estimated 

 yield, 14.4 tons per acre, is If tons per acre above average, 

 and is the highest since 1910. Crops were better than usual 

 in practically all parts of the country except in the north- 

 western counties and in Wales, where they were considerably 

 under average. The total production is estimated at 

 14,200,000 tons, which is 3,000,000 tons greater than in 

 1919, and 1.500.000 tons above the average of the 10 years 

 1910-19. 



Mangolds suffered considerably in the early stages of their 

 growth from fly, and crops were often thin and patchy, but 

 they grew well in the latter part of the season. Over the whole 

 country the yield is estimated at 19 tons per acre, which is 

 practically the same as the average of the previous 10 years, 

 and is 3 tons per acre heavier than in 1919. Yields were well 

 above average in most counties in the eastern half of the 

 country, but were poor in the west. The total production is 

 estimated at 7,292.000 tons, or 1.000,000 tons more than in 

 1919. but 630,000 tons less than the 10-year average. 



The total quantity of roots grown this year is therefore con- 

 siderably greater than last year, and with the large stocks of 

 hay, farmers have generally an adequate supply of home-grown 

 winter keep. 



Corky Scab in Potatoes : Recent Investigation.— Corky Scab 

 of potatoes is a disease of the tuber which in earlier stages resembles closely 

 the ordinary scab so common in some soils. Under certain conditions it 

 becomes serious and, unlike ordinary scab, penetrates the skin ; a corky or 

 spongy appearance results. Severely attacked tubers become shapeless and 

 show shallow depressions which are filled with a sand-like material, the 

 " sporeballs " of the fundus. " Second growth " seems particularly susceptible 

 to this disease and not infrequently the combined action of second growth and 

 Corky Scab causes a tuber to have the appearance of being attacked by Wart 

 Disease. This resemblance gives rise to the idea that immune varieties 

 sometimes become infected with Wart Disease. 



