14 BULLETIN 531, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
siderable decay, but none of the berries so treated developed into 
typical leaks within 48 hours after removal from the refrigerated 
container, and the presence of black dirt in the wounds was mis- 
leading and made the accurate sorting of these berries difficult. 
The above experiments indicate that the fungus in question is not 
of primar}^ importance as a field rot, that usually it does not enter 
the berries from the soil, and that in the localities investigated infec- 
tion occurs at some time after picking. 
UNSANITARY CONDITIONS USUALLY PREVAILING IN THE PACKING HOUSE. 
Conditions in and around the packing house often are unsanitary, 
favoring the growth and distribution of Ehizopus, and the frequent 
handling and consequent bruising which the berries often undergo 
would seem to offer many chances for infection. The culls often are 
thrown on the ground near the packing house ; various fungi, includ- 
ing Ehizopus, may be found fruiting on these discarded berries. 
Packing tables become soaked with strawberry juice and usually are 
not cleaned or disinfected during an entire season. When berries are 
washed, a few gallons of water are placed in a tub and used for all 
berries cleaned during the day. Fungus spores, soil, and other dirt 
soon accumulate in this wash water, and apparently might by this 
means be distributed generally over a large proportion of the fruit. 
Conditions in packing houses and cars as regards infection from 
Ehizopus can be easily improved by the frequent use of hot water. 
The recent work of Thorn and Ayers (16) shows that the spores of 
this fungus are easily killed by heat when wet, but are more resistant 
in dry air. Ehizopus spores (16, p. 159) were killed in 30 seconds 
at a temperature of 145° F. in milk, but survived a temperature of 
200° F. when dry. It is probable, however, that even with the 
greatest care all sources of fungous growth and distribution can not 
be eliminated. 
THE BRUISING OF BERRIES IN PACKING. 
It has been shown that Ehizopus rarely, if ever, enters berries 
through the unbroken epidermis; care to avoid bruising is therefore 
of great importance. This fact was emphasized by an experiment 
in which sound berries were wrapped individually in tissue paper, 
carefully packed, and shipped to Washington. It was found that 
fruit so treated could be held at room temperature for a week or 
more after arrival without the appearance of decay, while similar 
berries packed and shipped in the commercial manner were badly 
rotted within 48 hours after reaching their destination. 
Berries are injured to some extent every time they are handled or 
shaken. When possible, especially when shipments are made in car 
lots under refrigeration, it is preferable to ship in the containers in 
