1921.] Barberry and the Black Rust of Wheat. 117 



REPORT OF THE BARBERRY AND 

 THE BLACK RUST OF WHEAT SUR- 

 VEY IN SOUTH WEST WALES. 



W. H. Broadbent, A.B.C.Sc, D.I.C. 



During the past two years several eases of the disease known 

 as M black rust " of wheat, caused by the fungus Puccinia 

 graminia, have been reported from South West Wales, and in 

 view of the serious nature of this disease the Ministry of Agricul- 

 ture and Fisheries, in conjunction with the Department of Agri- 

 culture of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, 

 instituted investigations, the results of which are embodied in 

 this report. 



It is well authenticated that the common barberry (Berberis 

 vulgaris) serves as spring host for the fungus which causes the 

 black rust disease, and with the object of ascertaining the distri- 

 bution of the common barberry and the extent of the occurrence 

 of black rust a survey of the counties of Carmarthen, Cardigan 

 and Pembroke was undertaken in the summer of 1920. Owing, 

 however, to the many difficulties involved it has not yet been 

 possible to complete the work. 



Methods employed in the Survey: — 



Visits to Farms. — As many farms as possible within a selected 

 area were visited. The growing wheat and any straw lying about 

 were carefully examined, and where evidence of disease was 

 found search was made for barberry bushes. This method gave 

 good results but took considerable time. 



Interviews. — Few young or middle-aged persons appeared to 

 know anything about the barberry bush, but it seemed to be 

 familiar to the older people, especially women. Good and reliable 

 information was readily furnished by elderly people in remote 

 country districts. The help of schoolmasters in the rural districts 

 was solicited, and in each case valuable assistance and information 

 were obtained. 



Exhibitions of Specimens. — Specimens of the common bar- 

 berry and the black rust of wheat have been exhibited, particu- 

 larly at the United Counties Agricultural Show. Carmarthen, in 

 July, 1920. By this means interest was aroused amongst farmers 

 which resulted in the location of a number of barberry bushes. 



Personal Search. — Personal search, independent of outside 

 help, was also made. The growth, colour and form of tbe bar- 

 berry are characteristic, so that while travelling along country 



