In some strawberry growing centers, especially sections where 
berries have been grown on a considerable scale for years, ''red stele’ 
has become a very serious threat to the whole industry. In this virus 
disease the stele, which is the duct in the center of the root and normal- 
ly white in a healthy plant, turns a reddish brown and dies. The top of 
the plant is thus cut off from all nourishment, withers and dies. This 
seems to occur just at bearing time, and in many cases a very nice pros- 
pect for fruit has been ruined within a few days. 
The grower has two alternatives — to plant disease-free plants on 
new ground, or to use only those varieties which are resistant to ‘red 
stele’. Of the several kinds which have shown this quality, Temple, Fair- 
land and Vermilion seem to give most promise. 
TEMPLE 
Temple is a nice variety to grow. The plants are large and very 
vigorous. The foliage is heavy and dark, the leaves large and tall. I+ is 
a good plant maker, and the rows generally look very pleasing. The fruit 
will run large and rather dark, especially of course when full ripe. Temple 
has a pretty good dessert quality, and is firm enough for commercial 
purposes. 
Reports on yield of Temple have been conflicting. In many cases 
the yield has been very satisfactory, in others it has been disappointing. 
FAIRLAND 
Fairland is an Aberdeen-Fairfax cross developed by the U.S.D.A. 
plant breeders. 
We have had very favorable reports on this variety, and it perform- 
ed very creditably alongside other kinds where we watched it in Michi- 
gan fields. Plant growth is large, sturdy, vigorous. 
Total yield better than average, size of fruit good, appearance 
good, and quality very nice. Adapted especially to northern latitudes. 
VERMILION 
In a series of tests at the University of Illinois where is was develop- 
ed, Vermilion performed very well in competition with the best varieties, 
in addition to being red stele resistant. 
Total yield was very satisfactory, berries medium to large, medium 
red, as firm as Premier, with a very attractive appearance and a high 
dessert quality. 
Plants large and vigorous, a nice variety to grow. 
16 
