The National tribune., 1899-05-18

tho potato, Is found to seriously iniure
eggplants and tomatoes. In the case of
the potato, the leaves, stems, and tubers
are affected. The disease usually mani
tests itself by q sudden willing OF the
foliage and soon the whole plant may be-
come affected, the leaves and stems
shriveling and then turning brown or
black. The disease reaches the tubers
through the stems, producing brown or
black diScOloration of the tissues and
ultimately n complete breaking down or
rotting OF all the parts. Brown rot is
caused by a bacillus, minute organism,
which multiplies in tho tissues, and
through its action produces the effects
mentioned. Various insects, such as Col
orado beetles, flea beetles, and blister
beetles, serve as carriers oil the disease.
Throughout the South-namely, in
South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama,
and adjacent States where this disease
is known to occur-a thorough system OF
spraying. such as recommended for early
blight, should be followed. In addition,
all these diseased vines should be re-
moved and destroyed as soon as possible,
and the tubers should be dug and either
used at once or stored in a cool, dry
place. In planting it would be we'll TO
avoid land which has just been used for
tomatoes or eggplantS, and finally seed
tubers from localities where the disease is
absent should be used if practicable.
POTATO sCAB.
Scab is one of the most widespread
diseases affecting the potato. Injuries of
various kinds may produce roughened
surface, but it IS safe to say that most OF
what is known as scab iS due to the at
tacks Of a minute parasitic fungus, first
studied and described by DIR. Roland
Thaxtcr, of Harvard University.
Potato scab may be successfully con-
trollcd by treating the seed previous to
planting. Two fungicides are used for the
purpose, namely, corrosive SublImate so
luton and formaIin solution. To prepare
the first. dissolve two and One-half ounces
Of corrosive SubIimate, or bIchlorIde oil
mercury, in about two gallons OF hot
water and after 10 or II hours dilute with
clear water SO that the whole quantity
makes Is gallons. Corrosive Subllmate IS
poison and must therefore not be placed
where it can fall into the hands OF chill
dren or irresponsible persons. To prepare
the formalin solution, mix eight mud
ounces OF commercial formalin otherwise
known as 40 per cent. fOrmic aldehyde)
with Is gallons OF water.
To treat potatoes with the corrosive
sublimate solution, immerse them for an
hour and a half i'll the liquid and then
spread out to dry. Finally cut and plant
in the usual manner. A large barrel is
convenient receptacle for the solution.
The potatoes may be placed in coarse
sack and suspended in the liquid, care
being taken to wash the tuberS before
dipping, provided they are very dirty.
All treated tubers should be planted in
order to avoid danger from the poison
upon them.
1t has been shown that the formalin is
fully as effective against scab as the
corrosive Sublimate solution, and as it is
far less dangerous it will probably come
into more general use. In treating seed
with thi, preparation the whole potato
should be soaked for two hours in the
solution already described. After soaking
the potatoes may be dried, cut, ans
planted in the usual way, care being
taken not to allow them to become con-
taminated by coming in contact with bags,
boxes, or bins where scabby potatoes
have been kept. In practice it is found
that 15 gallons of either of the foregoing
solutions will be sufficient to treat 20 to 25
bushels of potatoes, taking ordinary pre-
cautions of course not To waste too much
of the fluid as each lot Of tubers is dipped.
TIP BURN, LEAF BURN, OR sCALD.
This disease of the leaves occurs in
many parts of the country and is often
confused with early blight. The tips and
edges OF the leaves turn brown and these
diScolored areas soon become hard and
brittle.
Little OF a specific nature can be said on