Annual Report for 1908 of the Consulting Botanist. 319 
disease more or less pronounced in every case, thus confirming 
on a larger scale the results obtained in the experiments 
carried on by the Society in connection with the prizes offered 
by the late Earl Cathcart (Journal, 1874, page 475). A new 
potato trouble was noticed this year, which has not yet been 
thoroughly investigated on account of the time being insufficient 
to reach any certain conclusion. The plants, which had pre- 
maturely turned yellow, were received from a member in 
Cheshire. The tubers, on being cut, showed a yellow ring some- 
what beneath the skin. At present no parasitic organism has 
been discovered, though a large series of diseased specimens have 
been examined. The disease, it was ascertained, was identical 
with the so-called “ yellow disease ” observed on potatoes in 
Ireland. Similar diseased specimens were also received from 
Scotland. In some cases a Fusarium fungus was found which, 
as it was repeatedly present, may be one of the causes. But 
other instances gave no indication of the cause. In Germany a 
disease known as “ Blattrollkrankheit ” showed similar 
symptoms, and inquiries have been made from official bodies 
in that country, so that the investigation is still proceeding. 
If any members notice their potatoes going off in a similar way 
they are requested to forward specimens to the Laboratory 
for investigation. Tubers showing this yellow ring have been 
kept and will be grown under observation next year, when a 
fuller report may be looked for. 
Disease in Sea Kale. 
A destructive pest appeared in various parts of the 
country, towards the end of the sea kale season. The shoots 
became spotted dark greenish brown, the spots were soft to the 
touch, and the decay made rapid progress. On examination a 
fungus very common on decaying and injured tissues, Botrytis 
cinerea , was found to be present, and it was undoubtedly 
the primary cause. Later, numerous bacteria brought on 
the decomposition of the attacked parts and, increasing, 
destroyed the whole shoot. The conditions under which 
sea kale is grown, especially the means adopted to produce 
blanched shoots, are very favourable to the growth of Botrytis. 
The “ Tops ” which are placed over the plants to seclude the 
light ensure a close atmosphere with practically no ventilation. 
Such treatment produces a weak, long-drawn plant which is 
readily sought for by snails, grubs, etc. These pests, by 
damaging the plants when feeding, provide spots for the 
fungus to attack. It was suggested that all the plants of sea 
kale should be examined, that the diseased tops be cut off, 
with other diseased parts, and burned. The shoots but little 
attacked might be cut quickly for use. Light and air would 
