POTATO LEAF BLIGHT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3597, 14 November 1905, Page 4

POTATO LEAF BLIGHT.

Vhtft Dlltlie May He Held Ift Oh*«l* toy the Application of Bordeaux 1 Mixture. This disease is widespread and de- • •tractive. It is conk ed to the leaves aud green sterns, and appears about ft •’ » tubers begin to form, but , 1 - of ' I ....... Of ■■e,, , ~..v\n spots, which soon become hard and brittle. The disease progresses rather slowly, the spots gradually becoming larger, especially (■ slovt «dges- of the leaflets. At the ,m. ' : n days to two vu- ks, half ol 1 the .ta- surface may be brown, withered and brittle, while the rest is of a yellowish green color. Three weeks or a mouth may elapse before all the leaves succumb. The tubers stop

growing almost as soon os the leaves are attached, and as a result the crop U p ( ~ci icaily worthless. This blight may be held in check toy Hie implication of Bordeaux mixi; prepared and applied aa "i- into a 50-gal lon bar* ... clear . ■. r. then aims mushed hii ...... ..jip- sulphate.and after tying it-in a piece of coarse sacking suspend the package just beneath the surface of the water by means of a string tied to a stick laid across the top uf Uic.MitCfih-JhJlu.pther suitable vessel, such as a tub or half barrel, •lack four pounds of fresh lime. Slack the lime carefvdlj’ by pouring on small quantities of water at a time, the object being to obtain a smooth, creamy liquid, free from grit. When the lime is slacked add sufficient mixture to make 25 gallons. As soon as the blue•tone is dissolved, which will require an hour or more, pour the lime murk and bluestone solution toget her, using a separate barrel for the purpose, and •tirring constantly to effect a thorough mixture. It sometimes happens that sufficient lime is not used, and as a result the foliage may be Injured. Tc be certain that the mixture is safe, hold a steel knife in it for two or three min-' utes, and if the polished surface of the blade shows a copper-colored tinge add more lime, but if it stays bright the mixture is fit to use..—Farmers’ Review.