194 



Tomato Fungi. 



Imperfect Fungi [Fungi imperfedi), many of which are only 

 known in a conidial form, being presumably merely stages in 

 the life-history of other species of fungi. It is considered by 

 some authorities that Ciadosporiuvi ftolviim is the conidial 

 state of atiother fungus whose host may be the stem or other 

 parts of the tomato-plant. 



Rational treatment of tomatoes produced in houses has 

 already, as stated above, greatly checked the attack of this 

 fungus in Guernsey. Damp heat favours the development 

 and increase of fungi, and is by no means necessary for the 

 successful growth of tomatoes. By the rational process a 

 warm, dry air has been substituted, obtained by fire-heat 

 circulated by means of thorough ventilation, arranged so that 

 cold draughts are avoided and an even temperature assured. 

 Water also has been given in judicious moderation, so as not 

 to cause undue moisture in the atmosphere. An experienced 

 cultivator of tomatoes has found that the exposure of plants, 

 showing a disposition to infection, to a temperature of 

 100 deg. Fahr., at intervals of a week or so, is a valuable 

 remedy, and it appears that exposure to this heat for two ot 

 three hours does not hurt the plants. In the cultivation of 

 tomatoes it should be rem.embered that they do not require 

 the temperature necessary for cucumbers and melons, but 

 rather a medium approximating closel}^ to natural out-door 

 conditions. 



In order to ward oif fungoid diseases, it is desirable 

 to spray tomato plants early in their growth with 

 a weak sulphate of copper mixture — boiiillie hordclaise — 

 composed of half a pound of sulphate of copper and 

 half a pound of lime to ten gallons of water. Spraying 

 with this dressing should be repeated and the solution 

 evenly distribute! all over and under the leaves. When 

 the foliage is older the amount of sulphate of copper and 

 lime might be increased to three-quarters of a pound of 

 each to ten gallons of water. In America ammoniated 

 carbonate of copper, made by dissolving three ounces of 

 carbonate of copper in a quart of ammonia, is used with 

 advantage. Two ounces of this mixture are put into two 

 gallons of water and sprayed evenly over the plants. 



