EXTRACTS FROM PROCEEDINGS. 



lxxxvii 



that the plants were certainly affected by a parasitic fungus. 

 His remarks show, however, that more complete specimens and 

 a more thorough examination are required before a confident 

 opinion as to the exact nature and circumstances of development 

 of the fungus can be formed. 



It would appear that there is a very material and formidable 

 distinction between Eed Eust and Take-all. "Whilst Eed Eust 

 is only developed to any serious extent where there is a coinci- 

 dence in the conditions as to temperature and moisture such as 

 is very unusual in South Australia, Take-all, on the other hand, 

 appears to flourish under as wide a range of circumstances as to 

 soil, and a much wider range as to climate. It is described as 

 attacking several descriptions of crops. And, again, although 

 attributed by some to exhaustion of the soil, the evidence goes 

 to show that it occurs on the more as well as on the less fertile 

 soils, and on newly broken-up as well as on exhausted land. 



Assuming the injury to be due to the rapid growth of a para- 

 sitic fungus, extending its ravages from a centre to everything 

 within its reach, and under a much wider range of circumstances 

 than the red rust, it is obvious that it is much more formidable, 

 and that its progress should be arrested by very vigorous means. 

 As was necessary with the cattle-plague in England, it should be 

 stamped out. Some of the witnesses before the Commission ad- 

 vocated the burning of the stubble as a means of destroying the 

 germs of future growth. The use of flowers-of- sulphur dusted 

 over the affected spots has also been recommended; and this 

 might be tried ; but it is doubtful whether any such means would 

 suffice when the affection has made much progress. Probably 

 the best and safest plan would be to attempt to arrest the disease 

 in its earliest stages, by cutting down and burning the affected 

 portions or by the use of quicklime wherever, and as soon as, 

 it makes its appearance. 



A review of the evidence available on the subject seems to 

 justify the following conclusions : 



1. That Eed Eust is a parasitic fungus which is only developed 

 to any serious extent under special atmospheric conditions in 

 regard to heat and moisture. 



2. That luxuriant crops, growing on fertile soils, are as liable to 

 the attacks of Eed Eust as poor crops growing on exhausted soils. 



3. That some descriptions of wheat are much more subject to 

 injury from Eed Eust than others. 



