30 BULLETIN 1347, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
In Europe Leptoesphaeria herpotrichoides is considered an impor- 
tant wheat parasite, and certain workers (50) have considered this 
organism to be the chief cause of foot-rot as it occurs on the Conti- 
nent. Mangin (50) and Delacroix (77) carried out inoculation ex- 
periments with the ascospores of this organism, and their results 
indicate that the fungus is parasitic on wheat. In fact, Foéx and 
several others seem convinced that the organism is an im- 
portant wheat parasite. According to Mangin (50) and Foéx (22) 
L. herpotrichoides causes a characteristic breaking over of the af- 
fected plants, and from the work of Foéx it seems that this fungus 
tends to extend its attacks somewhat higher above the soil line than 
is commonly done by Ophiobolus graminis. Doctor Foéx has told 
the writer that L. herpotrichoides causes rather large black to brown 
colored elliptical lesions on the lower part of the culms. These 
seem to be similar to those associated with the western foot-rot under 
discussion. | 
The writer has carried out inoculation experiments with Woj- 
nowicia graminis, and the organism has been found to be slightly 
pathogenic on wheat seedlings. However, further studies are neces- 
sary before it will be known just how aggressive this parasite may 
be under various environmental conditions and what role it may 
play in connection with the foot-rot under discussion and with other 
foot-rots with which it has been found associated. As pointed out 
previously (47), this organism has been found associated with Ophi- 
obolus graminis in Arkansas and Kansas. It has also been found 
associated with Helminthosporium sativum and several species of 
Fusarium in Kansas. Kirby (39) has recently reported its presence 
on diseased wheat in five counties in New York State. McAlpine 
(41) first found this organism on wheat in Australia. He noted 
that it was frequently associated with O. graminis, and he was 
strongly inclined to look upon it as the pycnidial form of O. gram- 
inis. However, as stated in a previous publication (47), cultures of 
these forms appear entirely different in growth and mycelial char- 
acteristics and in the pigmentation of the media. Such differences 
make it doubtful whether there is a genetic connection between these 
two forms. 
Dana (14) has reported a foot-rot occurring in several counties in 
Washington. (Table 5.) From his description it would seem that 
the trouble is similar to take-all, and in certain particulars it resem- 
bles that on wheat in Spokane County, Wash. He reports finding 
a Rhizoctonia associated with some of the diseased plants he 
collected. 
OTHER FOOT-ROTS 
Reports are frequently received from various parts of the country 
stating that a foot-rot is damaging the wheat crop. In many in- 
stances complete data are not given, and it is impracticable to follow 
up all such cases with a field inspection. When possible, diseased 
plants are requested and plate-culture studies are made to determine 
the organisms which may be associated with the diseases. Table 5 
shows the distribution of the undetermined foot-rots in so far as ° 
information is available, 
