The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1862-06-18
RUST IN WHEAT.

RUST IN WHEAT,
We stated 10 our last issue that !" If the
theory ofrust. as entertained by most farmers
with whom we converse, is correct we
would discuss the many reasons why !" un-
derdraining and subsoil plowing in preparing
the land, and manuring with vegetable in
siead Of animal manures, and salt, llme or
ashes" would prove somewhat of preyen,
tive. The theory is this; That from the
superabunlance Of ram, cloudy and damp
weather that causes the sap TO increase more
rapidly than can be taken up and conveyed
bY the little circulating ducts, they, being
tender and brittle from the same causes,
burst, and the sap that should feed the stalk
and ear exudes. and by some chemical action
of the atmosphere turns TO rusty color.
Now, IF this be correct, Undertaking con-
yeys away all superabundant water collected
during the winter befure the wheat begins to
grow. Subscribing prepares the undersoil to
receive. out of The way ot the growing wheat
in spring, any excess of rain; the mellow soil
merely holding il by capillary attraction. 70
be taken up in the rightfu proportion By
the plant without producing oyerluxuriance.
Vegetable manures tend 10 The production ai
fruit. and do not stimulate the growth Of the
stalk and leaves Of plants as animal manure.
Ashes and lime strengthen the body Of the
stalk, while salt acts n il were incidentally
by killing the minute insects that prey upon
the root and sap. But with modest de-
ference to those who entertain the above
theory, since our last issue we have taken
some pains to investigate the matter, and we
differ entirely from them. i,
The rust, as disease Of wheat. IS as old
as the cultivation Of the wheat ITSELF HIS
tory speaks not Of time when this great
erap vas free from il. Every year. and
wherever wheat Is cultivated. ID whatsoever
cline. rdst exists as 4 sure and certain al
tendant &c the wheat crop-as much so a
the worm Is OF the tobacco. II i spoken oi
in the Bible under the name nt mildew antl
this Is the oldest account we have 0i The
wheat crop. Ithas been known 10 all conn.
tries. and spoken pf BY the oldest writers,
bath of prose and poetry. The disease, rust
then is the effect ot minute plant ot thr
same genus as the snrai, belonging io thf
great Tube ol fungi"-the connecting Ink
between animal aud vegetable life. Tb'
roots &c this little plant enter the pores o.
the wheat stem. aud beng nnurished BY III
san That should feed tie seed. the grain ne.
eessarily perishes Tor want Of sustenance :
that j., when there are plants enough 70 40
s,rb most of the sap the number being great
II increased ii cloudy. cool and raia. wealth
er under which conditions they increase e
such an alarming exicnt as 10 BE- no'tred bl
every one. From the very nature Of th,
disease there is no sure preventive. ~
seed IL the fungus can b. blown Tor miles b.
the wind--so, should farmer succeed ~ dc
stroying tin his fields, the first breeze Of III,
morn would wai, The seed from hisncighbnr'
firid. Hut tacfe j. complete remedy To-
the disease, when taken in time.
Our space will not permiius 70 pursue ihl
subjectiurther. wchppc to refer g Z agaln
when We shall discuss the remedy. VT
other facts connected with this disease
! which We hope will prove entertaining 70 on
readers, as the larger portion Of them are ~
tcrcstcd in wheat growing.
Mountain E1gt.