Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-03-09
Wheat Rust.

OlLLIES BOTTOM, .FeD.ZoI n, 1871.
To the Editors OF the Belmont Chronicle.
Gentlemen: Relevant to the cause O.
the disease in wheat known as ssrust, ,
there are great many theories afieat
as there are, pertinent to many other
diseases of the cereals known to the
agriculturalist; but in this, as in the
Others, the theory which is the mosi
plausible, the one which the most nearly
harmonizes with the philosophic mind
viii be the one accepted as the mosi
nearly correct.
Science is not basedon theories, but
on accomplished facts. Theories are
the preludes, the indices to sicience;
but when they become facts, they con-
stitute the elements of science and are
no longer theories. Agriculture has
not yet been reduced to science, in
this country, but is rapidlyapproxima-
ting the goal, and until then we win
be compelled to theorize.s This is a
part of the philosophy of nature, and
those who deal the most intimately
with nature, are the ones who possess
the prer0gative to theorize. Hence,
as your good paper is partly devoted to
the interests of the agriculturalisf, and
as you have invited opinions on the
cause of "the rust" in wheat, we hope
there will be a free interchange of views
among the farmers of Belmont County
on this subject and make bold to tender
"a theory which is quite popular with
some Of the farmers of this vicinity.
First, 1t is noticeable that when the
straw is the most luxurant, it is the most
liable to ''rust," and, also, that the
straw is the most luXnriant during a
hot season.
Secondly, 1t frequently occurs that,
when the wheat is very little effected
in other parts Of the field, it takes the
''rust' where there are slladetrees, and
Invariably here when it is found to be
a general disease. On these premises,
we base the following theory: When
the straw is the most Iuxuriant, it has
the most abundance of sap-the essence
of vitality in the formation of the grain.
Perhaps this is the most abundant in
the veins or conduits, when protected
from the burning rays of the sun by
the shades of night, then, when the
sun comes out full and strong, it catches
the sap there and cooks it. During this
cooking process, the sap effervesces and
sepes out through the pores; this scalds
or burns the straw and causes it to crack
or break open. The sap being killed.
the grain loses it vitality; and before it
is thoroughly matured, it ceasees grow
ing and shrivels up, while the burned
sap clings to the outward surface of the
strawi in a hard crisped state and forms
what is called '.the rust"
The fact of trust" being found on
straw growing in the shade when other
parts of the field are not effected. would
seem to substantiate this; for the shade
would have q tendency to retain a
moisture around the straw or to pro-
duce a superabundance of sap, and,
when the sunshines on this in full force
1T cooks the sap. Immediately SIS the
shade lsaves, the sun strikes with full
force, and here is always sudden and
extreme change, so it will be in the
other parts of the field on,a very hot
morning. us5nsiro .-- fs-el,al a-ftil
If grass would have tendency to
retain moisture around the straw, it
would have tendency likewise to pro.
tect the straw from the extreme heat,
and, therefore, the benefit counterbal-
ancing the evil, it could not injure the
sraw.is But, if it would have tend
ency to absorb the moisture, it would
be detrimental to, the growth OF. tue,
straw and the straw would not be lIlx-1
uriant, thereby, the chances fer rust
would be diminished. '.s,...7l. sHs.a,5a - 20
The potato rot, which always occurs
after a season of luxuriant growth, can
be accounted for in the same way. The
sun cooks the sap; this Injuries the vi
tality of the tuber, thus diseasing itI
and causing it to rot. sooae y kIa b.