834 
Journal of Agricultural Research 
Vol. XXIII, No. 10 
seeds (really ovaries) which were buried at an average depth of % inch 
in the soil. The ascospores were found to be mature on this date and 
capable of germinating in tap water. A microscopical examination of 
the blossoms showed practically ioo per cent infection at this time. An 
opportunity was not afforded to inoculate healthy blooms with ascospores. 
Specimens of young blooms not less 
than 8 feet above the nearest group 
of apothecia were collected on March 
18, placed in a killing solution, em¬ 
bedded in paraffin, and later sectioned. 
Upon microscopical examination of the 
prepared mounts typical ascospores (fig. 
i, A) were readily found on the pistils. 
The foregoing observations constitute 
sufficient evidence to warrant belief 
in the pathogenicity of the fungus. 
No record of a similar disease of mul¬ 
berry in this country has been found. 
Two somewhat similar diseases due to 
Sclerotinia shiraiana P. Henn. and 
Microglossum shiraianum P. Henn. 
have been reported in Japan. In a 
letter of June 20, 1921, Dr. Shirai, of 
the Tokyo Imperial University, states 
that these fungi attack— 
mulberry fruits and form sclerotia just in the 
same manner ... and occur on the tree at the 
same time. 
He also states that these two fungi can 
not be distinguished by the forms of the 
sclerotia but that the fruiting bodies 
are entirely different. Material of 5 . 
shiraiana was kindly sent by Dr. Shirai 
for comparison with the fungus col¬ 
lected in South Carolina. The latter 
differs in many respects from 5 . shira¬ 
iana and especially in its effect on the 
fruit and in the size and form of the 
Fig. i .—Sderottma carunculotdes : Asa , ascos- _ 0 . . . , . „, • _ 
pores, and paraphyses. A, Ascospores with aSCOSporeS. In O. StllTdtCMG tile entire 
bodies adjoining the concave surfaces; a, view a cr err aerate* fruit ic troncfnrmprl intn a 
from above showing rhombic shape of body aggregate iruit is transiormea into a 
adjacent to the spore; b, transverse section sclerotilim (PI. 2, B, ft), while m OUr 
showing crescent shape of the body adjacent to £ ,, ... . r i_-i „ 
spore; c, longitudinal section of spore, showing fungtlS the multiple IrUlt breaks Up 
location of hemispherical body; d , spore with Q j c^Wntia arpfnrmpd from itlHi- 
hemisphericai body dislodged. xi,6oo. b, ana tne scieroua are Iormea irom mui 
Ascus, ascospores, and paraphyses. X840. P- vidual druplets (PI. 2, A, ft). There is 
Ascus, showing ascospores surrounded by t • it,* 
gelatinous membrane producing a cross-walled alSO greater variation in the S 1 ZC 01 the 
effect. xi,6oo. d, tip of ascus. Xi,6oo. druplets in the American material as 
compared with the specimens from Japan (PI. 2, B, c). A Botrytis stage 
develops in the fruits attacked by 5 . shiraiana , while in this country there 
is no record of a Botrytis on mulberry fruit. However, it is possible that a 
conidial form other than the microconidial may be found in this country. 
In connection with the differences in the size and form of the ascos¬ 
pores, it should be noted that the spores of Sclerotinia shiraiana are 
elliptical and are, according to comparison with material received from 
