1910.] Report on Destructive Insects and Pests. 847 



The next subject touched upon is the American Gooseberry 

 Mildew, and it appears that the number of gardens scheduled 

 as infected with this disease increased from 692 in 1907-8 to 

 2,442 up to the 15th April, 1909. The disease, however, did 

 not spread very widely beyond the areas attacked in the 

 previous year, except in one district, viz., Kent, where it 

 assumed considerable proportions. The counties infected 

 were Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford, Warwick, Shropshire, 

 Leicester, Derby, Northampton, Norfolk, Isle of Ely, Hol- 

 land Division of Lincoln, Cambridge, Huntingdon, Kent, 

 Essex, Surrey, Sussex, and Middlesex. 



After dealing with the problems connected with administra- 

 tion, Mr. Middleton goes on to discuss the economics of the 

 disease under the headings soil and situation, effect of 

 manuring, susceptibility of different varieties, sources of infec- 

 tion and remedies, and it is pointed out that the experience 

 hitherto gained in combating American Gooseberry Mildew 

 may be summed up in the following suggestions and hints 

 for gooseberry growers : — 



(1) When American Gooseberry Mildew appears in a 

 garden it must not be assumed that the plantation is ruined. 



(2) Neither must it be assumed that mildew is not danger- 

 ous and may remain untreated. 



(3) The disease should be dealt with at once as recom- 

 mended in the Board's leaflet. (The leaflet will be sent post 

 free to all applicants.) 



(4) The local Inspector or the Board's Inspector should be 

 consulted as to the best way of dealing with severe outbreaks. 



(5) Spraying with liver of sulphur in June and July will 

 check the spread of the mildew and will help to secure healthy 

 shoots for next season. 



(6) When young wood has been formed, it should be pro- 

 tected by spraying with Bordeaux mixture. Bordeaux may 

 be used instead of liver of sulphur as soon as the berries 

 have been picked. It is to be preferred to liver of sulphur 

 for use in August and September. 



(7) Diseased tips should be removed as soon as active 

 growth has ceased. The earlier they are removed the better, 

 provided that the season is sufficiently advanced to ensure 

 that the buds on the shortened shoots do not begin to grow. 



