Diseased Potatoes.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 11 April 1891, Page 2

Diseased Potatoes.

«, We reget to have to report that a disease very similar in some respects to the Irish potato disease, known as BotnjtU infestans, has made its appearance amongst the potato crops this season in Canterbury. The tubers are affected in the same manner, to all appearances, as those suffering from the above disease, in fact we can see little difference. There is just this difference howevw,

rhich leads us to hope that it is not he same as the well-known one srhich has devastated the potato crop f Britain, but more especially of reland, more or less every year ince 1846. In the present instance he stems and leaves do not appear o be in any way affected, nor have hey the unpleasant odour always >resent in the Irish disease. We shall be glad to receive reports from rar readers throughout the country, rhe matter may prove a serious one. Che great failure of 1845, was prejeded by symptoms of decay. One ihing we would urge, and that ia she importance of constant changes if seed. There is no better safeguard, together with the raising of new varieties. With reference to the present disease we are not at this early stage prepared to offer any opinion as to the cause. The drought and second growth may have some thing to do with it. — Weekly Preu.