CROP LOSSES. 
—— 
In 1916 the loss of wheat from rust was 200,000,000 bushels, or more 
than the whole wheat production in Australia for the year 1916-17, and 
at 5s. a bushel equals £50,000,000. The damage caused by late (or 
Irish) blight to potatoes amounted to 25,000,000 bus>els. 1¥ bunt and 
loose smut of wheat had been properly controlled by seed treatment, the 
United States of America could have supplied the Allies with an addi- 
tional 33,000,000 bushels, valued at over £8,000,000. 
Piate IV. 
A Banana disease known as Bunchy Top, which occurs in Australia, Fiji, and Ceylon. As.’ 
far as known, it is due to unfavorable soil conditions which stunt the plant’s growth, and 
prevent the formation of fruit. ‘ 
403 
