Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-07-08

is endangered by a serious diseaes,
the potato wart, which was discov
cred in Pennsylvania In September.
1918, and may occur elsewhere in
lieved to have come to the United
States on potatoes imported from
Europe. where the disease has beef
gradually increasing during rec2i:t
years. In the hope of keeping tne
Wart out of America, the 4. ). Ce
partment of agriculture in 1912 plac-
ed an embargo on potatoes coming
from countries where the disease
was known to exist Before this
embargo took seffect, however sew.
eral million bushels ofAtie crop o.
1911 had been Shipped to this coun-
try from Europe and other smaller
importations took place in previous
years. These potatoes were widely
distributed over the eastern half of
the United States and may have in
produced this disease into other
states besides Pennsylvania.
The infested area in Pennsylvania
is quarantined. and every precau-
ton is being taken to prevent the
spread of the disease. Investigar
tons on the nature of the Wart and
on its eradication are gunderWayoand
both domestic and foreign varieties
of .peta toes are being tested for re
sistance TO the disease. .-nr. s..
Potato Industry Menaced
Wart is usually. considered one of
the most serious of potato diseases.
1t. has caused great damage abroad
during recent years, especially ii
England and Ireland, whence many
of our imported potatoes have como.
The parasite which causes the dis
case apparently depending on the de-
gree of infestation of the soil.
Hence. in fields where potatoes fol-
low potatoes in successive years OF
at frequent intervals, the disease
becomes steadily worse until it Is
some gardens in Pennsylvania in
the fall of 1918 the disease was SO
severe that the crop was practically
signs of the Disease
The first evidences of wart are
tato, especially at the eyes. These
increase in size. and may grow as
large as the potato itself. Not in
frequently, a number of warts may
arise at different places on the
| same tuber, causing the whole pota-
mass. In the early stages the warts
are light brown, the color becom-
ing darker and finally black with
age. Badly diseased potatoes decay
in the field and those less serious
~ attacked are extremely suscept
IUlS " IOI III SlOl cbSSs w oil uO6S
not kill the potato plant and seldom
interfereS seriously with the growth
of the potato vines; therefore. the
detection of the disease is difficult
or impossible before digging time.
This disease also attacks the. COM
mon nightshade and the bitter
sweet .-
What Causes wartP
Wart is caused by parasitic
fungus (Chrysophlyctis endobiotica
Schilb), which penetrates the outer
| layers of the potato and stimulates
them to abnormal development, thus
causing the Characteristic warty
outgrowths. Millions of reproductive
bodies, called sporangia, are form
ed in the wart tissue and are re-
| leased into the soil when the wart
decays. Some terminate as soon as
mature, releasing filters of spores
which may reinfect the potatoes and
cause new warts. Others are rest
ing sporangia, which may lie DOR
mapt in the soil for many years
until by cultivation or other means
they, are brought into suitable con-
ditions for termination.
How the Fungus May Be Spread
The wart may be carried into
clean soil % by drainage water
from infested fields. CD by the dis
tribution of infested soil Gas ON ag-
ricultural implements or on the feet
of men or animals), 90 by the use
of manure from animals to which