12 
Bulletin 69. 
the crop has been practically abandoned because of the ravages of 
this disease. 
The fungus has three stages in its development which appear 
at different times during the season. The form which usually 
attracts attention first comes on the canes rather late in the season, 
when numerous dark brown pustules are pushed out through the 
bark. These pustules are composed of masses of spores, as are also 
the dark streaks and patches of a still later stage, which also form 
on the canes. 
These last spores remain on the brush or fall to the ground, 
where they are ready to spread the disease by attacking the new 
shoots the following season. The lungus lives within the tissues of 
the plant, and where badly affected the plant is so weakened that 
but little food is stored for the succeeding crop. This results in a 
reduced yield, and if the disease is not checked the bed becomes un¬ 
profitable and many of the plants are killed. 
By way of prevention it has been suggested that the tops of the 
plants be cut off and burned early in the fall before the spores fall 
to the ground. This method has the disadvantage, however, of be¬ 
ing injurious to the plants, as in order to be effective the tops 
must be removed before the plants are matured. This process may 
injure the plants nearly as much as the fungus. 
* Sirrine reports flattering results in combating the disease on 
Long Island by spraying with a resin-Bordeaux mixture. (See 
formulas). He expresses doubt, however, whether this method 
will always pay, since the applications must be frequent and 
very thorough, thus involving considerable expense. In these expe¬ 
riments from three to five sprayings were given, beginning in July 
after the cutting season was over. In the case of small beds it will 
no doubt be a better plan to destroy the plants and start anew on 
uninfested soil. 
ASTER WILT. 
( Fusarium . Sp.) 
The asters on the College campus were nearly all destroyed last 
season by a species of Fusarium. (See Plate V., Fig. 2). The 
plants appeared vigorous and gave promise of abundant bloom up 
to the time the blossoms were beginning to open, when many of 
them began to wilt and in a few days were dead. In no instance, 
so far as noticed, were isolated plants affected; in some beds all of 
the plants were killed, while in others only those in certain areas 
died. 
On examination the stalks were found to be discolored for a 
space of one to three or four inches above the surface of the ground. 
*N. Y. State Agr. Expt. Sta. Bui. 188. 
